Novak Djokovic and new coach Andy Murray won against the American teenager on debut

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic’s first match with former rival Andy Murray as his coach didn’t start so well, even against a 19-year-old making his Grand Slam debut.

Still, after dropping his opening set at the 2025 Australian Open to Nishesh Basvaredi, an American who dropped out of Stanford University and turned pro, Djokovic eventually found himself winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. His bid for an 11th championship at Melbourne Park and a record 25th major title overall.

“I’m obviously thrilled to have him in my corner,” Djokovic said of Murray. “I must say, it was a bit of a strange experience to have him courtside in my box. We have played against each other at the highest level for over 20 years. It’s great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice in the middle of the match.

Before heading to Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic and Murray chatted in the gym. They wrapped up the conversation with a fist bump before Djokovic got on the treadmill to warm up.

During the match, apart from an extended conversation before the fourth set, there was only occasional interaction between player and coach – including a series between the 37-year-old and a 12-year-old opponent born a week apart in the Slam final as a professional. Murray retired at the Paris Olympics in August; Djokovic offered to team up in November.

As a player, Murray was known for mid-match drama, a lot of gesticulating and muttering, often directed at his teammates. Djokovic does the same.

Djokovic showed some of his natural fire when the crucial break came at the 1 1/2-hour mark. He saw 107th-ranked Basvareddy’s forehand land wide and screamed, clenching a fist, pointing a finger to his ear. It was the beginning of the end for Basvaredi, who started to limp between points and clutched his leg and took a medical timeout before the third set.

A busy and heated Day 2, which included nine Grand Slam champions and a combined 43 major trophies, and half a dozen other players with runner-up showings, winners included No. 2 Iga Suatek, No. 3 Coco Gough, No. 7 Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka in the women’s and No. 1 Janic Sinar and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s

Osaka, who won her four major titles in Australia, defeated Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the final match at Rod Laver Arena.

Notable exits came from two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and two-time major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Ostapenko’s 6-3, 7-6 (6) defeat came against Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who has remained outside the top 400 since returning from maternity leave in October.

Also one and done, but not surprisingly: Nick Kyrgios, who lost to Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final and has played one match in the past two seasons due to injury. Kyrgios dealt with a strained stomach muscle in the lead-up to this week and lost to Jacob Fearnley 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (2).

“Sorry about Nick,” said Fearnley, 23, of Scotland, who played college tennis at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. “I can tell he’s working on some stuff.”

The intensity and physicality of the points against Djokovic wore on Basavaredi. Another key: Djokovic’s backhand quickened in the second set, while Basavaredi’s shots from that wing slowed. And one more: Djokovic hits 23 aces.

At 3-all, on the half-hour mark, Basavaredi moved in front, breaking Djokovic with a backhand return winner. Soon, that set belongs to the youngster, who isn’t shy about calling the Serb his favorite player. Basvaredi showed some great touch with drop shots and lob winners, while hanging there with a baseline finisher.

“Very complete player,” Djokovic said. “He pleasantly surprised me with all his shots and his fighting spirit towards the end.”

They are currently separated by exactly 100 places in the ATP rankings. The gulf is certainly wider when it comes to experience and achievements.

This result left Basvaredi’s career record in Grand Slam tournaments at 0–1; His tour-level debut came only in December. Meanwhile, Djokovic picked up his record-extending 378th win at a major; He has not lost in the first round since losing at that stage of his first two Australian Opens in 2005 and 2006.

“He wasn’t carried away by the significance of the moment,” Djokovic said of Basvaredi. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of him in the future.”