There are some intriguing match-ups at the Brisbane International with three crowd pleasers in action on New Year’s Eve.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic takes to the court as he starts his lead-up into the Australian Open – a tournament he has won 10 times – as does his new buddy and doubles partner Nick Kyrgios.
The ladies’ schedule is highlighted by current Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Here, we analyse Tuesday’s action and offer some predictions:
📰 Table Of Contents
Novak Djokovic (1) v Rinky Hijikata
Djokovic looked good alongside Kyrgios as they thrilled the Brisbane crowd in the doubles but it will be a more focused Serbian that takes on wild card Hijikata.
After a 2024 dogged by injury and poor form it will be fascinating to see if the 37-year-old can be a regular challenger at the majors once again. The alternative is that this really is the beginning of the end for arguably the greatest player of all time and he will be pushed further to the periphery with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz taking over.
We are unlikely to find many answers to that conundrum against Hijikata.
The 23-year-old is ranked 73 in the world and had a good run at this tournament last year, beating Thanasi Kokkinakis and Tomas Machac on his way to the quarter-finals, but is unlikely to trouble Djokovic.
Prediction
Djokovic to win in straight sets
Are you not entertained?!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/OjuEW44kyK
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 30, 2024
Nick Kyrgios v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Kyrgios makes his long-awaited return to the singles court after 18 months out due to a wrist ligament injury that he thought could end his career.
He has continued to make headlines with his outspoken views on tennis but it will be good to see him take centre stage once again.
The draw could certainly have been kinder for the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, though.
In his way stands the giant figure of Mpetshi Perricard, one of the rising stars of the ATP Tour with one of the biggest serves in the game.
How Kyrgios deals with that delivery will likely decide the outcome of the match.
On the plus side for Kyrgios, his fitness is unlikely to be tested due to the lack of rallies but he will have to be clinical on the few chances that come his way.
Prediction
Kyrgios’ lack of match practice could mean his limited opportunities will come and go in a flash.
Mpetshi Perricard to win it in straight sets.
Our @EvieNetworks point of the day picked itself, yeah? Simply outrageous from @NickKyrgios!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/8wmC679KT1
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 30, 2024
Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Renata Zarazua
Sabalenka appears in Australia for the first time since her second successive triumph in Melbourne in January.
The world number one has enjoyed a fine year after also clinching the title at the US Open.
She is the woman to beat on hard courts and will be the favourite heading into the season’s first major.
It’s an almighty ask for world number 75 Zarazua and her target will be to take a few games and emerge with some positives to take forward.
Prediction
Sabalenka in straight sets for the loss of three or four games.
