Player News
#NextGenATP Basavareddy turns pro: 'Living my childhood dream'
American spent two seasons at Stanford University
December 06, 2024
Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger
Nishesh Basavareddy is at a career high No. 138 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
By ATP staff
#NextGenATP American Nishesh Basavareddy has turned Pro, he announced on Instagram on Thursday.
Basavareddy spent two years at Stanford University, where he was a two-time ITA All-American and qualified for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator both seasons. World No. 138 in the PIF ATP Rankings will sacrifice his remaining college eligibility.
“Ever since I started playing tennis at the age of three, it has been my dream to become a professional tennis player. Thanks to the support of my friends, family, coaches, Stanford family and USTA, I am able to fulfill my childhood dream,” wrote Basavareddy on Instagram. “With that being said, I will be giving up my NCAA eligibility to play pro tennis. We look forward to what the future holds.”
The youngster will soon be in action at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, which runs from 18-22 December in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Basavareddy is one of three Americans to qualify for this year's edition of the 20-and-under event, along with Alex Michelsen and Pupil Tien.
Basavareddy started this season at World No. 457 before making a splash on the ATP Challenger Tour. The American won two Challenger titles and reached four more finals at that level. He compiled a 41-13 game record, becoming just the third American in Challenger history (since 1978) to achieve more than 40 wins in a single season. Tristan Boyer, another former Stanford player, also did the job this year.
Stanford men's tennis coach Paul Goldstein, a former Top 60 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, is looking forward to watching Basavareddy continue to rise.
“Nishsh is a special young man whose success on the tennis court is a tribute to his exceptional talent, work ethic and deep passion for our game,” said Goldstein. “Most importantly, he and his family are thoughtful, kind, and wonderful people.
“Nishesh is fulfilling a lifelong dream by pursuing his professional tennis career and I couldn't be happier for the person I am doing for him. Nishsh will always have a home at Stanford and our entire community will follow him with excitement. “
Born in Newport Beach, California, Basavareddy and his family moved to central Indiana when Nishesh was eight years old. Basavareddy quickly linked up with two former No. 1 players. 1 and Indiana native Rajeev Ram at a tennis camp led by their coach Bryan Smith. The #NextGenATP youngster, who was his training partner for the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, has taken Ram as a mentor.
