Djokovic and Sabalenka win, Mpetshi Perricard aces Kyrgios test

Reuters - 31/12
Novak Djokovic and Aryana Sabalenka began their season with straight set wins but Nick Kyrgios' return to singles action did not go according to his plans at the Brisbane International on Tuesday.
BRISBANE, Australia, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic and Aryana Sabalenka began their season with straight set wins but Nick Kyrgios' return to singles action did not go according to his plans at the Brisbane International on Tuesday.
Djokovic tamed local favourite Rinky Hijikata 6-3 6-3 in what was the top seeded Serbian's first tour-level singles match since October.
A day after his doubles victory alongside Kyrgios, Djokovic was precise with his serve and groundstrokes as he outclassed Hijikata to set up a second round clash with Gael Monfils.
"I always expect myself to do well on the court," Djokovic said in an on-court interview.
"To start off the new season with a win, it's very important."
Earlier, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard fired 36 aces to beat Kyrgios 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3) in a battle of big servers at the Pat Rafter Arena.
The 21-year-old struck eight forehand winners in the first set alone and served a game of aces to go 5...
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