The French Open qualifiers are in full swing as a host of players work hard to try and ensure their name is in the draw when it’s made tomorrow.
After an enthralling Australian Open back in January, it’s felt like a long time coming for another Grand Slam to kick off, but the waiting stops on Sunday.
Novak Djokovic is looking for a fourth French Open title and a 25th in total as he bids to end his long wait to get his hands back on one of the game’s biggest prizes.
The Serbian legend defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an epic quarter-final in Melbourne, but injury forced him to withdraw in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev.
During that tournament, Djokovic was full of praise for his first-round opponent, and he might be somewhat surprised to hear what has happened to him ahead of the French Open.
Nishesh Basavareddy crashes out of French Open in qualifying round
The American player caught the eye at the Australian Open when he put up a valiant fight against Djokovic during their first-round tussle.
Basavareddy threatened to send shockwaves across the tennis world, winning the first set before succumbing to Djokovic’s brilliance and losing in four.
The 20-year-old won’t get another crack at a Grand Slam at the French Open, however, after he was surprisingly beaten in qualifying earlier this week.
Basavareddy went down in three sets to Argentine player Andrea Collarini, losing 5-7, 7-5, 4-6, to fail to make the main draw at Roland Garros.
What Novak Djokovic said about Nishesh Basavareddy
The Serb has never been shy in offering praise to players making their way in the game, and he was under no illusions that Basavareddy gave him a bit of a fright in Melbourne.
After beating the American, he said: “Well, to be honest, I don’t know much about him. I watched him play yesterday actually, for the first time. I think he’s played the semi-finals of the New Zealand tournament.
“I saw that he’s very quick. He’s a very talented player. He’s got great hands. He’s very dynamic. He can serve well, hit spots. Just a very complete game overall.”
Now, Basavareddy will turn his attentions to the grass court season and he will surely head to Roehampton where he will try and qualify for that Grand Slam.
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