Mpetshi Perricard hit 36 aces throughout the match, including a whopping 15 in the final set, the same amount Kyrgios managed overall

Kick Kyrgios returns after 18 months out to wrist and knee injuries but loses to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard; Novak Djokovic wins opener against Rinky Hijikata; Watch the United Cup, plus ATP and WTA events Brisbane,

On a night that features Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, it was Nick Kyrgios who perhaps was the star attraction on Tuesday to see how he looked on his return to tennis for the first time since June 2023 at the Brisbane International and it was a first round defeat to Giovanni Mpethsi Perricard.

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — World No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has started her Brisbane International singles campaign with a 6-4, 6-0 win Tuesday over Renata Zarazua of Mexico.

In a match that lasted 2 hours, 27 minutes, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard beat Nick Kyrgios in three tiebreak sets -- 7-6 (2), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) at the Brisbane International.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka comfortably beats Renata Zarazua to start her Brisbane International campaign.

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka needed barely an hour to win her season-opening match in Brisbane, disposing of Renata Zarazua 6-4 6-0.