Nishesh Basavareddy is quickly becoming a standout name in tennis, moving from a stellar collegiate career at Stanford University to the professional circuit. This month, he officially turned pro, generating buzz in the tennis community. His selection for the 2025 Australian Open wild card list is a significant milestone, as he prepares to compete alongside renowned players. Ranked No. 138, Basavareddy has already claimed two ATP Challenger Tour titles this year—in Tiburon, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He’s also set to showcase his skills at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Riyadh.

As Basavareddy embarks on this exciting journey, there’s much to discover about this young American athlete. With Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Martin del Potro being his inspirations, Basavareddy aims to make a lasting impression at prestigious tournaments while learning the ropes of professional tennis. But who is the driving force behind his success?

Meet the coach behind his formidable skills on the court

Nishesh was born in Newport Beach, California, but moved to central Indiana at eight. There, he met former doubles world No. 1 Rajeev Ram at a tennis camp led by their coach, Bryan Smith. This mentorship has been crucial for Basavareddy as he rises in the tennis world. Now a #NextGenATP player, he practiced with top stars at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, with Smith—Director of High-Performance Tennis at PATC—guiding him.

Smith has an impressive coaching background. He won two singles state championships and was inducted into the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. He has coached players at all levels, from youth to professional. In 2007, he was named the US Olympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year.

Reflecting on the support he’s received from his family, friends, and coaches, Basavareddy said: “Since I started playing tennis at three years old, it’s been my dream to be a pro tennis player. Thanks to the support from my friends, family, coaches, Stanford family, and the USTA, I can live out my childhood dream,” he shared on Instagram on December 5.

With his 2025 Australian Open wild card entry, it will be exciting to follow Basavareddy’s journey moving ahead. While Bryan Smith plays a crucial role in his development, he is not the sole influence behind Basavareddy’s success.

Brian isn’t the only mind behind Basavareddy’s triumph

Stanford’s men’s tennis head coach, Paul Goldstein, has witnessed Nishesh Basavareddy’s continued ascent in the sport. “Nishesh is a special young man whose successes on the tennis court are a tribute to his unique talent, highly disciplined work ethic, and sheer passion for our sport,” Goldstein said. He also praised Basavareddy’s character, stating, “More importantly, he and his family are thoughtful, gracious, and wonderful people.” As Basavareddy pursues his professional career, Goldstein believes he has a supportive community behind him: “Nishesh will always have a home at Stanford and will have our entire community enthusiastically behind him.”

Now, the rising star is gearing up for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, running from December 18-22. Basavareddy is one of three Americans to qualify for this prestigious 20-and-under event, alongside Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien. With his recent successes and strong coaching support behind him, the anticipation to see how he showcases his skills at the highest level is palpable.

As this young star steps into the spotlight of the ATP circuit, questions linger: Will he impress everyone with the talent honed by his incredible coaches? Only time will tell.