20-year-old American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy has delivered the biggest shock of the 2025 ATP Hangzhou Open, mounting a stunning comeback to defeat former US Open champion and the tournament’s defending champion, Marin Čilić, in a thrilling first-round encounter.
The #NextGenATP star, who is currently ranked ATP No. 109, showed composure well beyond his years. After dropping the first set 4-6 to the veteran Croat, Basavareddy refused to fade. He battled back to capture the second set 6-4, leveling the match and putting the pressure back on the crowd favorite. In the deciding set, Basavareddy held his nerve, breaking Čilić’s formidable serve and closing out the biggest victory of his young career, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Basavareddy’s journey in Hangzhou began in the qualifying rounds, where he was the third seed. He earned his main draw spot with two dominant, straight-set victories. He first dispatched Beibit Zhukayev of Kazakhstan 6-2, 7-6(3), before cruising past Gauthier Onclin of Belgium 6-1, 6-3.
The win over a player of Čilić’s stature, especially at an event he won the previous year, marks a significant milestone for Basavareddy as he continues to transition from his standout college career to the professional tour.
The dream run is set to face its toughest test yet. By advancing to the second round, Basavareddy has booked a blockbuster clash against the tournament’s No. 2 seed, Daniil Medvedev.
Nishesh Basavareddy’s 2025 ATP Hangzhou Open Results (Ongoing)
Here is a list of his results from the tournament so far:
- Main Draw – First Round (R32): d. Marin Čilić (CRO, ATP #59) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
- Qualifying – Second Round (Q2): d. Gauthier Onclin (BEL, ATP #198) 6-1, 6-3
- Qualifying – First Round (Q1): d. Beibit Zhukayev (KAZ, ATP #207) 6-2, 7-6(3)
Next Match:
- Main Draw – Second Round (R16): vs. (2) Daniil Medvedev (RUS, ATP #18)
Photos by the Hangzhou Open team
