Novak Djokovic has discovered who he will face in his first match of the new season, with the Serb joining Nick Kyrgios and several other big names at the Brisbane International.
He is the top seed and will go up against Rinky Hijikata in the opening round following the singles draw held on Saturday. Djokovic could face Gael Monfils in the next round if he beats Hijikata next week.
If he reaches the quarter-finals in Brisbane, he is likely to face Alexei Popyrin before potentially taking on Frances Tiafoe in the last four. The projected final sees Djokovic going up against defending champion Grigor Dimitrov.
He will be hoping to give a good account of himself ahead of the Australian Open, having failed to win any of the four Grand Slam titles in 2024.
In a statement last month, Djokovic said: “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena.
“I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”
Kyrgios, meanwhile, has been drawn against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard as he prepares to make his first tour-level appearance in 18 months.
The hot-headed Aussie has been sidelined with wrist, knee and foot injuries over the last few years. He has not played since the Stuttgart Open in the summer of 2023 but is finally closing in on a return to action.
Djokovic will team up with Kyrgios in the doubles event as he returns to the Brisbane International for the first time since 2009. In the singles draw, they have been placed in the same half and could meet each other in the semi-finals.
It remains to be seen if Kyrgios will be able to make a winning comeback against Perricard, with former Australian tennis star John Millman predicting a tough match.
“I think everyone is excited to see Nick back in action,” said Millmam. “He is up against the young Frenchman, Giovanni Perricard, who had his breakthrough in Basel where he won the 500 at the end of the year.
“They were different conditions in the indoor [to Brisbane] but if you haven’t seen Giovanni play, he has an absolute rocket of a serve. We know Nick does but Perricard does also. That is going to be a feature match.”
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