Nick Kyrgios started well in his singles comeback, but ultimately had to give in.
The Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, ranked 31st in the world, won the even match with 7–6, 6–7, 7–6 after hitting 36 serves.
The 29-year-old Kyrgios is playing his first ATP tournament in a year and a half in Brisbane. The Australian tennis profile is also playing in the doubles tournament with Novak Djokovic. The star duo won their first match and will play again on New Year's Day.
For Djokovic, the game continues in the singles tournament as well. The 37-year-old Serb started with a win (6–3, 6–3) against home player Rinky Hijikata.
Injured Kyrgios is already set to play in the Australian Open in January, which will be his first Grand Slam tournament since 2022.
