“It will be great to see how my game matches up against a player of the caliber of A Zverev” – Nishesh Basavareddy (USA)

Following a solid win at the Cincinnati Open, Indian Tennis Daily’s Sarika Reddy had the opportunity to sit down with the American star, Nishesh Basavareddy, to discuss his performance, game plan, and what it’s like to compete on the professional tour.

Sarika Reddy (SR): What are your thoughts on the match?

Nishesh Basavareddy (NB): I thought it was a pretty solid match for me. I served well and took my chances when I had them. The atmosphere was great, and I tried to use some of the crowd support to my advantage. I think that really helped me come back from a break in the second set.

SR: What was the game plan going into the match, especially with the court conditions here?

NB: These courts are quite fast, so my game plan was to have a high first-serve percentage and put a lot of returns in play. I think as the match went on, I was able to do that a little bit better than my opponent.

SR: Anything you felt you could have done better?

NB: I think maybe I could have started out a little better. I didn’t get many points on my returns in the first set, and I think against a player like Zverev, that can really cost me. So, hopefully, I’ll come out a little sharper next time.

SR: This is your first time at the Cincinnati Open. How do you feel about the playing conditions and the overall atmosphere?

NB: It’s great. It’s probably one of the best tournaments in the world, if not the best. The upgrades they’ve made are unbelievable. It’s also kind of my home tournament, so a lot of my friends and family came out. The atmosphere is one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

SR: Given that it’s your first year on the pro tour, how do you feel your game is matching up against the best on the elite stage?

NB: It’s a work in progress. There are always things I can improve on, but I’m happy to keep getting these types of experiences every week and keep improving. I think I’m getting more and more into the tour.

SR: Can you share details on your current coaching and physio team setup?

NB: My long-term coach, Brian Smith, is from Indiana, and he’s here with me this week. He travels sometimes, but he watches all my matches. He runs an academy back home, so he can’t travel all the time. My brother travels with me every week, and I’m currently traveling with a physio who I’m sharing with another player as well.

SR: Your next match is against Zverev. What are your thoughts on that?

NB: I’m super excited. I’ve only played one other top-five player so far. It’ll be great to see how my game matches up against a player of that caliber. We’ll see how it goes.

SR: Good luck for your match. Thank you so much.

NB: Thank you.