Contesting his first singles tour-level match in nearly two years due to injuries, Australian player Nick Kyrgios found a wall on the other side of the net in the form of young star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who edged the home favorite 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3) in two hours and 27 minutes.
“It was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months, and to put myself in a winning position was exciting,” Kyrgios outlined courtside.
Meanwhile, coming off the back of a breakthrough season, earning the biggest title of his career in Basel in scintillating form - without dropping serve all tournament - the Frenchman notched his spot into the second round at Brisbane International.
The 21-year-old biggest weapon damaged his opponent, who owns a huge serve himself.
Throughout the encounter, the former hit 36 aces at an average of 200km/h.
In addition, the two-time ATP titlist won 89 percent of the points on his first serve and 63 on his second delivery compared to the Aussie’s 83 and 69 percent, respectively.
“It was just good to be back out there and to say that I can still play a level against someone like that who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better and confident,” the Canberra-born added.
“I’m coming back, and I asked the question, and he just played a couple of big points better than I did. I felt relatively pretty good physically. My legs and body felt really good. I felt fit, and I’m in great shape.”
Kyrgios underwent reconstructive wrist surgery in September 2023, and after being competitive in two high-level matches, he did not hide enduring pain in his wrist.
“I felt some discomfort with the wrist, but he does serve and hit the ball a lot bigger than probably some of the people I have practiced with the last year.”
On Monday night, in front of a packed Pat Rafter Arena, the 29-year-old hit the court to play a first-round doubles match at the ATP 250 tournament, pairing with former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
The pair’s doubles debut quickly turned into an entertaining match, which they won by overpowering Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies duo with a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 victory.
Kyrgios and Djokovic will return for a second-round doubles match on Wednesday afternoon. The duo will face top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
Djokovic, also pulling double duty at Queensland Tennis Center, launched his 2025 singles campaign against Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata and did not hesitate to take a 6-3, 6-3 victory in just 76 minutes.
After the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s first singles match since Shanghai, he commented: “I always expect myself to do well on the court. To start the new season with a win is very important.”
“Hijikata deserves a great round of applause for his performance. He was really, really good. He made me work for the win tonight.”
Next, the man who is chasing his 100th tour-level title will meet legendary Gael Monfils, who beat American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 to open proceedings at the event.
Furthermore, fourth-seeded Frances Tiafoe will clash against Mpetshi Perricard for the second time on tour. Last season, he lost to the Frenchman in three sets at the Paris Masters 1000.