In a remarkable start to the 2025 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic overcame an initial setback to secure a hard-fought victory against young American Nishesh Basavareddy. The match marked Djokovic's first competitive outing with former rival Andy Murray in his coaching corner. Despite losing the opening set, Djokovic rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, advancing his bid for an unprecedented 11th Melbourne Park title and a record-breaking 25th major championship. Djokovic praised Murray's mid-match advice, noting the unusual yet rewarding experience of having his former opponent now as a coach.

The encounter unfolded on a warm evening at Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic initially faced challenges from the 19-year-old Basavareddy, who had just turned professional after leaving Stanford University. Although Basavareddy demonstrated impressive skills, including some well-executed drop shots and lob winners, Djokovic gradually asserted his dominance. The turning point came midway through the match when Djokovic broke Basavareddy's serve, leading to a series of strong performances that ultimately secured his victory.

Before the match, Djokovic and Murray shared a brief but meaningful conversation in the gym, culminating in a fist bump before Djokovic warmed up on the treadmill. During the game, their interactions were minimal, with only occasional exchanges between player and coach. This partnership between two tennis legends, both born within a week of each other, has been a topic of interest since Djokovic proposed the collaboration in November. Murray, known for his intense on-court demeanor, provided valuable insights during crucial moments, contributing significantly to Djokovic's turnaround.

The physical demands of facing Djokovic began to take a toll on Basavareddy, who eventually required a medical timeout before the third set. Djokovic's backhand improved noticeably in the second set, while Basavareddy's shots became less effective. Additionally, Djokovic's powerful serves, totaling 23 aces, played a pivotal role in his triumph. Despite the loss, Basavareddy impressed Djokovic with his fighting spirit and versatility, suggesting a promising future for the young player.

While Djokovic moves forward in his quest for another milestone, the tournament saw several notable results. Among the victories were those by top-ranked players like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Naomi Osaka. However, there were also significant exits, including Victoria Azarenka, Jelena Ostapenko, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios, who has struggled with injuries recently, was defeated by Jacob Fearnley in a closely contested match. Overall, the day highlighted the competitive nature of the Australian Open, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters ahead.