Novak Djokovic has kicked off his bid for a 100th ATP title at the Brisbane International with a straight sets win.
The top seed powered his way to a 6-3, 6-3, victory over Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata in just over 70 minutes. Djokovic is now 17-1 against players ranked outside the top 50 since the start of this year and it is the 29th tournament in a row where he has won his opening-round match. The last time he didn’t do so was at the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters.
In his latest match, the 24-time Grand Slam champion produced 26 winners and converted three out of five break pouint chances.
“I always expect myself to do well on the court,” Djokovic said afterward.
“Obviously, a win is a win. To start the new season with a win. It’s very important.
“I think Hijikata deserves a great round of applause for his performance tonight.
He definitely made me work for the win tonight.”
Djokovic is playing in Brisbane without the presence of Andy Murray who has recently agreed to join his team for the the Australian Open. Murray is currently on a family ski trip but will be heading to Australia soon to continue his first-ever role as a coach on the Tour.
“We spoke before the match,” Djokovic said of his work with Murray.
“We’re communicating daily, so I’m excited to have him in my team, in my corner. For 20-plus years he’s been across the net and for the first time he’s on the same side of the court.
“So it should be fun in Melbourne.”
In the second round, he will face French veteran Gael Monfils who he leads 19-0 in their ATP head-to-head. Monfils began his campaign with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, win over qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy.
Kyrgios ousted
Elsewhere, Nick Kyrgios was able to prove his match fitness despite losing in three sets to France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in what was his first singles match in 18 months due to injury. The former Wimbledon finalist was ousted 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3) by the world No.31 after two-and-a-half hours of play. Despite hitting 15 aces and winning 83% of his first service points, the Australian was outmuscled by Mpetshi Perricard who produced twice more aces than him (31).
“Playing against Nick was a good match for me, he did some good things during the match,” said Mpetshi Perricard.
“He was very confident, a good serve. I tried my best and it worked.
“It was very exciting to play this one, and I’m very happy to get the win. I knew it was going to be a serve match. I hope I will have a nice recovery and be back in two days.”
During the match, there were concerns raised about Kyrgios’ recent injury misfortunes coming back yet again. He underwent treatment on his wrist and elbow after the first set of his latest match. Then in the second frame, it appeared that he was nursing his right wrist but was still able to continue playing.
Kyrgios is also playing in the doubles draw with Djokovic. Their next match will take place on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Maketić and Michael Venus.
