(Pic: Muzammil)
Nishesh Basavareddy’s impressive Australian Open campaign came to an end in Round 2, as the Indian-origin American fell to World No. 18 Karen Khachanov 1-6, 4-6, 3-6. The 20-year-old, who fought through qualifying and secured a first-round victory to reach the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, met a formidable opponent in the experienced Russian who controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Khachanov’s straight-sets victory was more controlled than their previous Grand Slam meeting at the 2025 US Open, which went to four sets. This time, he dictated from the baseline, found his spots consistently, and gave Basavareddy few opportunities to settle into rhythm.
The budding star Nishesh, currently ranked 242, had his moments—serving well and finding angles that troubled the World No. 18—but couldn’t sustain the level needed to match his former World Top 10 opponent. The head-to-head now stands at 2-0 in Khachanov’s favour.
At 20, Basavareddy’s Grand Slam journey is just beginning. Reaching Round 2 at the Australian Open—his first time achieving this milestone at a major—marks significant progress. The gap between him and the world’s elite is real, but it’s also the kind that closes with time, matches, and exactly these types of tests.
Photos from the match:
