In a stunning twist of fate at the Australian Open, American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy has progressed to the second round, a week after his opponent's catastrophic premature celebration gifted him a lifeline.
The Moment of Mistaken Victory
The drama unfolded during the second round of qualifying on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Sebastian Ofner, believing he had secured victory, pumped his fist and began walking to the net after moving 7-1 ahead in a third-set tiebreak. However, he had committed a critical error: in Australian Open qualifying, final-set tiebreaks are played to 10 points, not 7.
That momentary lapse proved monumental. The 20-year-old Basavareddy, just three points from defeat, seized the opportunity. He staged a remarkable fightback to snatch the match 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11), booking his place in the final qualifying round.
Basavareddy's Path to the Main Draw
Capitalising on his extraordinary escape, Basavareddy demonstrated his resilience again. He came from a set down to defeat Britain's George Loffhagen in the final qualifying round, securing his spot in the main draw at Melbourne Park.
His grand slam debut was no less dramatic. Facing Australian Chris O'Connell, Basavareddy was forced to mount another five-set comeback. He eventually triumphed 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3, claiming his first-ever main draw victory at a major tournament.
The Iconic 'Choke' Gesture and Looking Ahead
After completing his great escape against Ofner, Basavareddy turned to his opponent and delivered a pointed 'choke' taunt. The gesture is famously associated with former NBA star Reggie Miller, who used it in the 1994 playoffs.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Basavareddy told the Australian Open website: "I knew there was still some time… In a super [match] tiebreak, you always have a chance, so I kept believing." He added that seeing Ofner "tense up a little bit" after the error gave him renewed hope.
Basavareddy's reward is a second-round clash with the 15th seed, Karen Khachanov, setting the stage for another major test for the young American in Melbourne.
