Novak Djokovic survived an Australian Open first-round scare against grand slam debutant Nishesh Basavareddy, fighting back from a set down to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Basavareddy, aged just 19 and ranked 107th in the world, showed supreme strength, stamina and nerve to win the opening set at Rod Laver Arena – a particularly impressive feat considering the American only turned professional last month and appeared in Australia like a joker.
Djokovic, a 10-time winner in Melbourne, fought back, however, and with Basavareddy struggling with cramps and fatigue towards the end of the second set, the Serb was on hand to level the contest as coach Andy Murray followed on.
Djokovic and coach Andy Murray looked tense and confused as the Serb fell behind
That momentum continued in the third set as Djokovic registered the one break he needed to take it, and with Basavareddy struggling with his first serve in the fourth – who had proved a real threat earlier in the match – Djokovic was in able to pick breaks and get the job done.
The 37-year-old, seeded seventh at this year's Australian Open, will next face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
Basavareddy, the American 19-year-old Grand Slam debutant and wildcard, tormented Djokovic until he was struggling with cramps
Djokovic: Strange experience with Murray on my side of the court
Speaking on court after the win, Djokovic admitted it was “weird” playing a Grand Slam match with Andy Murray as his coach.
“It was a bit of a strange experience to have him on the court in his box. We've played against each other for more than 20 years at the highest level,” Djokovic said.
“It's great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice in the middle of the match. It's good that now we have the opportunity to let me train on the same side.
“It's a completely different angle when you're watching from the side. He's doing really well. It's been a pleasant experience. Hopefully we don't stop here.”
Djokovic said it was a “strange experience” to have Murray on his side as a coach
Djokovic has won at least one men's Grand Slam tournament in 21 seasons in his career so far, with only Roger Federer (22) having accomplished more seasons during the Open era.
“He (Basavareddy) deserves every round of applause,” Djokovic added. “I've never seen him play. These matches can be tricky.
“I was pleasantly surprised. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of him in the future.”
Djokovic also matched Federer as the man with the most Grand Slam singles matches played in the Open Era with 479, of which he won 378.
Alcaraz passed Shevchenko in the second round
Carlos Alcaraz began his bid to complete a career Grand Slam with an imperfect but entertaining 6-1 7-5 6-1 victory over Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko.
Four-time major champion Alcaraz is aiming for his first trophy at Melbourne Park to become the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam titles, with the 21-year-old impressing after a somewhat nervous opening match.
“I always say it's hard work,” Alcaraz said. “I try to get the best out of me every day. That's the secret. I try to be a better person and a better player every day.”
Carlos Alcaraz proved too much for Alexander Shevchenko in the first round of the Australian Open
The third seed, still fine-tuning a new serve he adopted in the off-season, saved a break point and then broke in the third game to take complete control of the opening set in double quick time.
Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz found her range with several devastating winners down either flank to take a 3-1 lead in the second set, but world number 77 Shevchenko won the next four games as the Margaret Court Arena crowd rallied behind the underdog .
Alcaraz re-engaged and hit a fiery forehand winner to set up another break point and level in the 10th game as his opponent began to feel the pressure again and surrendered the set.
With the momentum definitely swinging, the 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz pulled back games in the third set and ended it with a big ace on his fifth match point to set up a second-round meeting with Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka.
“He's a really solid player,” Alcaraz said. “I have to focus on my shots. I hope I can enjoy the match, it will be tough. I will try to play good tennis for people to enjoy.”
Meanwhile, Bulgarian 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov withdrew injured as he trailed 5-7 1-2 behind Italy's lucky loser Francesco Passaro, becoming the first top-10 player to exit the tournament.
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