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Djokovic, Sabalenka Win Openers but Kyrgios Loses on Comeback
Hindustan Times Patna
|January 01, 2025
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka launched their Australian Open preparations with straight-sets wins on Tuesday at the Brisbane International, but Nick Kyrgios lost on his return from injury.
BRISBANE:
Former world number one Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown in January in Melbourne, eased to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
The 37-year-old Serb broke Hijikata once in the first set and twice in the second for a comfortable 74-minute win.
Djokovic, now ranked seven in the world, was all business against the young Australian and always looked in control as he set up a second-round clash against fellow veteran Gael Monfils.
"To start the new season with a win is obviously very important," said Djokovic, who is pursuing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title.
"But Hijikata was really good tonight and he made me work for it."
This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Patna.
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