Nick Kyrgios’ return to the ATP Tour ended in defeat as he lost in straight sets to Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the Brisbane International. The 30-year-old Australian, playing his first ATP match since March, was beaten 6-3 6-4 in just over an hour after being given a wildcard.
Currently ranked 670th, Kyrgios is working to regain fitness and form as he hopes to earn a wildcard for the Australian Open, which starts on 18 January in Melbourne. After struggling with injuries in recent years, he showed flashes of his trademark style, including an underarm serve, but was unable to stop Kovacevic.
Kyrgios will next compete in the men’s doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis and is also set to play at the Kooyong Classic, while Kovacevic advances to the second round in Brisbane.
