Nick Kyrgios loses on singles return at Brisbane International ahead of Australian Open
Kick Kyrgios proved his match fitness after 18 months out to wrist and knee injuries but was defeated by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard over three tie-break deciders; Watch the United Cup, plus ATP and WTA events Brisbane, Auckland and Hong Kong live on Sky Sports Tennis
Tuesday 31 December 2024 08:16, UK
Nick Kyrgios lost on his men's singles return at the Brisbane International after 18 months out due to wrist and knee injuries.
The 29-year-old Australian lost a three-set epic to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) in a contest lasting two hours and 27 minutes, as Kyrgios proved his match fitness.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist had made a triumphant return to tennis on Monday when partnering Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing, as they beat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will return to men's doubles action on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
In another men's singles match on Tuesday, Frances Tiafoe beat Australian wild-card entrant Adam Walton 7-5 (7-5) 6-3. Also, fifth seed and world No 22 Sebastian Korda withdrew with a lower back injury.
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Earlier, women's world No 1, and two-time reigning Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, started her Brisbane singles campaign with a 6-4 6-0 win over Renata Zarazua.
After a first-round bye, Sabalenka took just 63 minutes to reach the third round with form that shows a three-peat in Melbourne Park beginning on January 12 is a strong possibility.
"First match is always a tricky one to see where your tennis is at," Sabalenka said. "I'm glad I closed that first set and in the second it felt like whatever I would do would work."
Sabalenka will play 15th-seeded Yulia Putintseva in the third round after she beat Kessler McCartney 6-2 7-5.
Watch the United Cup, plus ATP and WTA events Brisbane, Auckland and Hong Kong this week live on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - No contract, cancel anytime
