Nick Kyrgios lost his men’s singles match at the Brisbane International on his comeback from 18 months out with wrist and knee injuries.
The 29-year-old Australian lost a three-set epic to Giovanni Mpetshi Pericardi 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-3 in a two-hour, 27-minute contest as Kyrgios proved his fitness.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist made a triumphant return to tennis on Monday when they defeated Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 in a blockbuster doubles match with Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic and Kyrgios return to men’s doubles action on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
In another men’s singles match on Tuesday, Francis Tiafoe beat Australia’s Adam Walton 7-5 (7-5) 6-3. Also fifth seed and world No. 22 Sebastian Korda withdrew with a lower back injury.
Earlier, women’s world No. 1 and two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka began her singles debut in Brisbane with a 6-4 6-0 win over Renata Zarazua.
After a first-round bye, Sabalenka needed just 63 minutes to reach the third round in a manner that suggests the three-peat at Melbourne Park from January 12 is a strong possibility.
“The first match is always difficult to see where your tennis is,” Sabalenka said. “I’m glad I closed out the first set, but in the second I felt like whatever I did was going to work.”
Sabalenka will play 15th seed Yulia Putintseva in the third round after she beat Kessler McCartney 6-2 7-5.
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