BRISBANE: Novak Djokovic and Aryana Sabalenka began their season with straight set wins but Nick Kyrgios’ return to singles action did not go according to his plans at the Brisbane International on Tuesday.
Djokovic tamed local favourite Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 in what was the top seeded Serbian’s first tour-level singles match since October.
The 37-year-old Serb broke Hijikata once in the first set and twice in the second for a comfortable 74-minute win.
Djokovic, now ranked seven in the world, was all business against the young Australian and always looked in control.
“He did some good things, he played with confidence.
Djokovic was precise with his serve and groundstrokes as he outclassed Hijikata to set up a second round clash with Gael Monfils.
“I always expect myself to do well on the court,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. “To start off the new season with a win, it’s very important.
“But Hijikata was really good tonight and he made me work for it.”
Earlier, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France fired 36 aces to beat Kyrgios 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3) in a battle of big servers at the Pat Rafter Arena.
The 21-year-old Perricard struck eight forehand winners in the first set alone and served a game of aces to go 5-4 ahead in the third in what was Kyrgios’ first tour-level match since a wrist surgery in September 2023.
Perricard claimed two mini-breaks in the decisive tie-break to claim victory showing tremendous poise under pressure.
