In the feature’s latest edition, we learn more about another promising young player with huge potential.

Nishesh Basavareddy of the United States has enjoyed an extremely encouraging start to 2022 and in the last month has won the two biggest titles of his career as the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors calendar focused upon the South American swing.

The 16-year-old, who was a member of the United States team which triumphed at the 2019 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov, followed victory at J1 Porto Alegre by topping the podium at JA Criciuma.

Winning the prestigious Banana Bowl tournament propelled Basavareddy, who endured an injury-hit season in 2021, to a career-high No. 25 in the boy’s world rankings – a jump of 57 places.

It’s time to get to know Nishesh a little better.

Describe yourself in three words? 

Competitive, organised and ambitious

Who was your tennis idol growing up? 

Novak Djokovic

What has been the favorite match you have been involved in? 

The deciding doubles match [against France] in the final at the iTF World Junior Team Finals in 2019

Who has been your toughest opponent?

Stefan Kozlov

What is your favourite Grand Slam and why? 

Roland Garros because of the energetic fans and amazing atmosphere. I also enjoy playing on clay

What are your ambitions for 2022?

To be healthy and continue to improve my game

What is the best advice you have received? 

Always enjoy what you do and control what you can control

Do you have any superstitions?

I have quite a few on and off the court

Favourite sport other than tennis? 

Basketball

Favourite team or individual within that sport? 

My favorite player is Luka Doncic

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Juan Martin del Potro

Favourite person to follow on social media?

Kevin Hart

If you could have a conversation with anyone, past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Novak Djokovic. I would ask him about his story growing up and his training regime

What would your dream car be?

McLaren

What would be your favourite three-course meal? 

Chicken 65, grilled salmon with pasta and carrots, ice cream cake

What is your favorite film? 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

What is your favorite book? 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

What do you like to get up to when you’re not playing tennis? 

Play ping pong or basketball, watch sports, read books

What annoys you most and why?

Not being on time

What music are you into and what’s your favorite tune?

I like pop and rap music. I don’t have a favourite song right now

What are you watching on Netflix currently?

I don’t watch Netflix 

Tell us something that people don’t know about you?

My first sport was soccer

Do you have a fear of anything?

Heights

Do you own a games console and what is your favorite game?

I used to own an Xbox and my favorite game was NBA 2K