Nick Kyrgios loses in singles return at Brisbane International ahead of Australian Open | Tennis news
Nick Kyrgios lost on his return to singles competition at the Brisbane International after an 18-month layoff due to wrist and knee injuries, while Novak Djokovic won his first match since mid-October.
Kyrgios lost an epic three-set defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricardo 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) in a battle that lasted two hours and 27 minutes, as Djokovic came through a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win over Rinky Hijikata.
Kyrgios and Djokovic teamed up in men’s doubles on Monday, beating Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 in the big doubles. On Wednesday, they return to meet first seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
Kyrgios has doubts about the Australian Open | Djokovic ‘excited’ about Murray partnership
After the singles loss, Kyrgios said: “It was a great match, considering I haven’t played in 18 months. And to put myself in a winning position was exciting.
“It was just good to get back out there and say I can still play at a level against someone like that who’s coming off the best year of his career and getting better.”
Kyrgios used his protected ranking of 21 from before his injury problems to enter the Australian Open, but admitted he was not yet sure whether he would play in Melbourne.
“It’s about how much I want to endure the trauma on my body, the pain,” added the 29-year-old Australian. “I think I almost need a miracle and I need the stars to align in order for me to be able to safely make it to the Grand Slam.
“Today, if this was a Grand Slam, we might still be on the court, and I don’t know how I would retire the next day or the day after. That’s the reality that sets in.”
Meanwhile, after his first win, Djokovic revealed his new coach Andy Murray is monitoring his progress from the ski slopes during a family holiday before teaming up with his old rival at the Australian Open.
“I send my love to the whole Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne,” Djokovic said on court after his win over Hijikata.
“We spoke before the game, we communicate every day. Obviously I’m excited to have him in my team, in my corner.
“For 20-plus years he’s been across the net; it’s the first time he’s ever been on the same side of the court so it should be fun in Melbourne.”
The number one tennis player in the world for women Sabalenka wins the Brisbane opener in two sets
Elsewhere in the men’s singles match, Frances Tiafoe defeated Adam Walton, Adam Walton, Australian player 7-5 (7-5) 6-3. Also, fifth seed and world number 22 Sebastian Korda withdrew due to a lower back injury.
In the women’s event, world No. 1 and two-time reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her singles campaign in Brisbane with a 6-4 6-0 win over Renato Zarazu.
After a first-round bye, the Sabalenkas needed just 63 minutes to reach the third round in a form that suggests the three-match at Melbourne Park starting on January 12 is a strong possibility.
“The first match is always difficult to see where your tennis is,” said Sabalenka. “I’m glad I closed out that first set, and in the second I felt like whatever I did was going to work.”
Sabalenka will play 15th seed Yulia Putintseva in the third round after beating Kessler McCartney 6-2 7-5.
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