American teen Nishesh Basavareddy defeated countryman and No. 8 seed Alex Michelsen 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

The ATP ASB Classic semifinals are set in Auckland and what an incredible lineup of players we have. From 38-year-old Gael Monfils to 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, with Zizou Bergs and Nuno Borges in between.

Gael Monfils pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at his ASB Classic semifinal match against Nishesh Basavareddy . Monfils won the match in two extremely close and competitive sets, 7-6, 6-4. Only a few points separated the two players.

Indian-origin American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy is just 19 years old and is yet to play a full ATP Tour season. He has suddenly gained popularity after he was drawn to play 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the opening round of the Australian Open.

Moments after Nishesh Basavareddy reached his first ATP semifinal at the Auckland Classic on Thursday, the American teenager named Novak Djokovic as his favourite player and said he had modelled his game after the 24-time Grand Slam champion.