A Learning Experience Under the Lights: Nishesh Basavareddy (USA) Reflects on Zverev Match
American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy, a wild card entry at the ATP Cincinnati Masters, discusses his second-round loss to World No. 3 Alexander Zverev. Basavareddy reflects on the challenges of the match, including Zverev’s consistent serve and his own a lapse in focus. He identifies key areas for improvement, such as his serve and overall consistency, as he looks ahead to upcoming tournaments like Winston-Salem and the US Open.
Sarika Reddy: Can you share your overall thoughts on today’s match against Alexander Zverev?
Nishesh Basavareddy: Yeah, it was a tough match. Honestly, I thought I started out okay, serving well, but then my serve percentage just dropped a little bit. He was serving really well throughout the match at a high percentage, so that was tough. I went down that break, and then he was able to kind of cruise for the rest of the first set. My level was a little bit up and down, but definitely, I learned a lot of things tonight.
Sarika Reddy: Looking back, was there anything you feel you could have approached differently during the match?
Nishesh Basavareddy: Just at certain points, just being a little bit more focused. For example, at 2-2, 40-15, I played a loose game and got broken. So, just keeping the scoreboard a little bit tighter if I could, and then maybe coming into the net a little bit more. I thought I came up with the right game plan, I just didn’t maybe execute to the best of my abilities.
Sarika Reddy: You played under the lights tonight. Does competing at night versus during the day affect your performance or preparation in any way?
Nishesh Basavareddy: My first round was also at night, so I kind of got used to that schedule this week. I think he also plays a lot of night matches. Obviously, you get used to it. Every week is a little bit different, but I enjoyed it this week. The atmosphere is great.
Sarika Reddy: This marks your second match against a top-five player. As you look ahead, what areas do you feel you need to focus on in the next year to break into the top 75?
Nishesh Basavareddy: Yeah, I definitely think the serve is a continuous area I can grow in. It’s gotten better, but today it shows the difference, especially—I mean, Zverev is a big guy, but the serve was a big difference. And then also just being more consistent throughout the match, being able to manage it a little better. I think those are definitely areas I can grow on, but there’s a lot of things to still grow.
Sarika Reddy: What does your schedule look like over the next few weeks in terms of training and tournaments?
Nishesh Basavareddy: A couple of days of training, then hopefully Winston-Salem, and then the US Open main draw. After that, I’ll probably go to Asia, but yeah, Winston-Salem and the US Open are coming up soon.
Sarika Reddy: We’ve heard you’re a regular at Bheema’s – do you have any favorite dishes you’d recommend?
Nishesh Basavareddy: I like chicken biryani. That’s what I had this week. That’s my go-to.
Sarika Reddy: The Cincinnati Open is serving the classic “strawberries & cream” this year. Have you had a chance to try it yet?
Nishesh Basavareddy: I didn’t even know that! I didn’t have it.
Sarika Reddy: Well, great match out there. Thank you so much.
Nishesh Basavareddy: Thank you.
