Nick Kyrgios lost his men’s singles return at the Brisbane International after an 18-month absence with wrist and knee injuries.
The 29-year-old Australian lost after three sets to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3) in a fight lasting two hours and 27 minutes, and Kyrgios proved your match fitness.
On Monday, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist made a triumphant return to tennis, teaming with Novak Djokovic in a hugely successful doubles match, beating Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will return to action in men’s doubles on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
On Tuesday, in the next men’s singles match, Frances Tiafoe defeated Australian wild card player Adam Walton 7-5 (7-5), 6-3. Additionally, fifth seed and world No. 22 Sebastian Korda withdrew due to a lower back injury.
Previously, women’s world number 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka started her singles campaign in Brisbane with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Renata Zarazua.
After a bye in the first round, Sabalenka needed just 63 minutes to advance to the third round in a form that shows that a win on January 12 at Melbourne Park is very likely.
“The first match is always difficult to see where your tennis is at,” Sabalenka said. “I’m glad I closed the first set and in the second set I felt like whatever I did would work.”
Sabalenka will face 15th seed Yulia Putintseva in the third round after defeating Kessler McCartney 6-2, 7-5.
Watch United Cup matches and ATP and WTA events live in Brisbane, Auckland and Hong Kong this week on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel at any time
