“There are no expectations”: Nishesh Basavareddy embraces underdog role after stunning Fritz at the French Open
ATP
The 21-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy produced one of the biggest upsets at the start of the Roland-Garros main draw, defeating 7th seed Taylor Fritz, marking the first elimination of a top-10 player in the tournament—considering both the men’s and women’s draws.
The American achieved the biggest victory of his career and, for the first time, beat a top-10 opponent, making the most of the wildcard he received to compete in the second Grand Slam of the year. It is his first appearance in the Roland-Garros main draw, and also his second main-draw victory in a major, after reaching the second round at the Australian Open earlier this season.
Basavareddy showed great maturity on court against a player of Fritz’s hierarchy, who, although not coming in with much competitive rhythm after being out for a couple of months, still entered the match as the favourite for the duel.
“I haven’t had much experience on clay, so I don’t know if I was really expecting this, but I still thought I would have a good chance today if I played well, and that’s what I did. I’m really happy to get my first win here,” he said in the press conference. “Before the match I was still pretty confident, just because he hasn’t had so many matches. I felt like I could raise my level in a match like this.”
“There are no expectations"
Basavareddy prevailed in two tight tie-break sets in the first sets to take a solid advantage. In the third set, Fritz saved a couple of match points before taking the tie-break that kept him alive, but he eventually collapsed in the fourth set, where a double break gave Basavareddy a wide lead before sealing the victory with a convincing finish: 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-1.
“I would say midway through the second set, when it was getting closer to the second-set tiebreak, I started thinking a little bit about the finish line,” Basavareddy said. “If I could get a two-set lead, I’d have the advantage. But then you have to go back to game by game and not get ahead of yourself.”
Nishesh Basavareddy at 2025 Acapulco Open
The American player acknowledged that facing a top-10 player—who on paper was heavily favoured—actually worked in his favour, considering there were no major expectations or pressure regarding what Basavareddy could do in just his first appearance at Roland-Garros and with limited experience on clay courts.
“Of course he’s a top-ten player with great results, but it makes it easier in a sense that I’m the underdog,” Basavareddy explained in the press conference. “There are no expectations. It’s not really a typical clay-court matchup, so maybe fewer long rallies. The conditions were hot, so it would be a lot of serving.”
After the win against Fritz, many of his rivals will certainly now consider him a dangerous player, and Basavareddy is beginning to present himself to the tennis world as someone to watch. However, the former top-100 player does not set specific goals beyond going as far as possible in the most important tournaments.
“That’s a big question. Right now I just want to see how far I can go and be the best player I can be,” Basavareddy said. “If that means deep runs in Grand Slams or being top 20 or top 10, I don’t know. I just want to do everything I can to improve.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
