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Novak Djokovic fights back from set down to beat 19-year-old American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy; Carlos Alcaraz breezes past Alexander Shevchenko; Grigor Dimitrov becomes first top-10 player to exit Australian Open after retiring hurt against lucky loser Francesco Passaro
Novak Djokovic is through to the Australian Open second round but had to fight back to beat world No 107 Nishesh Basavareddy
Novak Djokovic admitted it was “strange” to have Andy Murray in his coaching team after surviving a first-round Australian Open scare against Grand Slam debutant Nishesh Basavareddy to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Basavareddy, aged just 19 and world No 107, showed superb power, stamina and nerve to claim the opening set at the Rod Laver Arena – a particularly impressive feat considering the American only turned professional last month and was appearing in Australia as a wildcard.
Djokovic, a 10-time winner in Melbourne, fired back though, and with Basavareddy struggling badly with cramp and fatigue towards the end of the second set, the Serb was on hand to level the contest as coach Murray watched on.
Djokovic and coach Andy Murray looked tense and confused as the Serbian fell behind
That momentum continued into the third set as Djokovic registered the one break he needed to claim it and with Basavareddy struggling with his first serve in the fourth – which had proven a real threat earlier in the match – Djokovic was able to pick off breaks and get the job done.
The 37-year-old, seeded seventh in this year’s Australian Open, will next face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
Speaking court-side following his victory, Djokovic admitted it was “strange” playing a Grand Slam match with Murray as his coach.
“It was a bit of a strange experience to have him court-side in my box. We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level,” Djokovic said.
“Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice mid-match. It’s good we have an opportunity now to have allowed coaching on the same side.
“It’s a completely different angle when you’re watching from the side. He’s been doing really well. It’s been an enjoyable experience. Hopefully we don’t stop here.”
Expanding later in his press conference, Djokovic added: “I did, of course, practice sessions with him the whole week before tonight’s match. But it’s different in an official match, centre court, night session.
