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Tag: Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis retire from their Australian Open doubles match
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Nick Kyrgios’ return to the Australian Open is over after he and Thanasi Kokkinakis stopped playing while trailing in the second set of their first-round doubles on Thursday night.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, the men’s doubles champions at Melbourne Park in 2022, retired while down 7-5, 3-2 against another Australian team, James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic.
Both Kyrgios (strained abdominal muscle) and Kokkinakis (right shoulder trouble) came into the match dealing with physical issues after losses in singles.
Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up to Novak Djokovic, played a total of one singles match across 2023 and 2024, and had wrist and knee operations. His most recent Grand Slam tournament until this week was the 2022 U.S. Open.
And after losing to unseeded Jacob Fearnley 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Monday night, Kyrgios said: “I mean, realistically, I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here.”
Kokkinakis went out in the second round of singles against No. 15 Jack Draper on Wednesday night by a 6-7 (3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 score.
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Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis retire from their Australian Open doubles matchIn a shocking turn of events, Australian tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have been forced to retire from their Australian Open doubles match. The duo, who were considered strong contenders in the tournament, were forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury.
Fans were eagerly anticipating the match, hoping to see Kyrgios and Kokkinakis showcase their incredible talent on the court. However, their dreams were dashed when it was announced that the pair would be unable to continue.
Despite the disappointment, fans have expressed their support and well wishes for Kyrgios and Kokkinakis as they recover from their injury. The Australian Open will surely miss their presence on the court, but we look forward to seeing them back in action in the future.
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Jacob Fearnley shares Kyrgios fan interaction story as Brit opens up on whirlwind Aus Open | Tennis | Sport
Jacob Fearnley has gone from college tennis to getting asked for selfies at the Australian Open in the last whirlwind 12 months.
And Jack Draper has predicted his fellow 23-year-old will soon be competing with the US Open semi-finalist for the British No.1 spot before both play in the third round here.
Draper will take on Aussie Aleksandar Vukic in another Ashes Battle on Friday night. And British No.3 Fearnley, who showed great composure to beat Nick Kyrgios in the first round, will now take on world No.2 Alexander Zverev.
The Scot only left the Texas Christian University last summer and shot up the rankings by winning four Challenger events to qualify for his first overseas Grand Slam.
And the world No.86, who watched last year’s Australian Open at college in Texas, said it is “cool” to be recognised at his first overseas Grand Slam.
“I had one person who was getting in the car, and he sprinted over from the other end of the street,” Fearnley laughed. “He was like: ‘Are you the guy that played Nick? and I was like, ‘Yeah, take a selfie’.
“But other than that, I don’t get recognised at all. I think that I probably get recognised here, because obviously I played Nick so probably a lot of people were tuning in for that match. But other than that, no, I quite like it for now. It’s nice to stay grounded, and just kind of do my own thing. But it’s also cool to be recognised, especially children and kids, and they’re like, ‘I’m your biggest fan’. It’s really cool.”
Fearnley, who is accompanied here by his American girlfriend Keagan Polk, will take on 2020 Olympic champion Zverev in the second match in the Margaret Court Arena on Friday.
“It’s another massive match,” said the Hibs fan. “He’s playing unbelievable. I’m aware that all these matches that I’m getting are extremely challenging.
“I do get nervous, but I know how lucky I am to have these experiences and play these matches. These matches don’t come around often. I’m trying to cherish them and stay in the present moment really and just try and enjoy these massive matches because they are some of the biggest that I can play.”
It is very different from the start of his career when he first encountered No.15 seed Draper. “I think we were around about 10 maybe. I remember we played for the first time green clay in a bubble kind of in Gosling. Maybe it was green ball, or maybe it was just transitioning into yellow ball. I remember that match, actually. I think I won!
“We travelled a lot, and we did play some cool matches, under 12, under 14, and then kind of got a little bit — he kind of went, like, way higher than me. I went the college path. He kind of shot up, and then I went a different direction. Everyone knew he was an insane talent. I don’t think it comes as any surprise to anyone how well he’s doing, for sure. We’ve definitely reconnected in the past even six months or so.”
Draper, the son of former LTA chief executive Roger, said: “I’m proud of Jacob. He’s an incredible player. I don’t know if you looked at our sort of LTA, how many times we’ve played each other. It must be 30 times when we were younger. He would be like my arch rival when we were younger.
“Obviously we went down different paths. He went to university and sort of did his thing there, but he’s always been a special talent. He’s not going to stop just top 100 or top 50. He’s going to be right at the top of the game. I think that’s a really good, healthy relationship for myself.
“Obviously I’m good friends with him, but we’re going to be competing against each other obviously with sort of that No. 1 Brit situation. I think it’s great for British tennis. Obviously Cam is still around, Dan, and other players too. I think it’s an amazing addition to British tennis, and lucky to have him back.”
Jacob Fearnley, a tennis fan from the UK, recently had a memorable interaction with Nick Kyrgios during the Australian Open. Fearnley shared his experience on social media, detailing how the Australian player took the time to chat with him and even signed a tennis ball for him.In his post, Fearnley expressed his admiration for Kyrgios’ talent on the court but also noted the warmth and friendliness the player showed towards his fans. The Brit described the encounter as a highlight of his trip to the tournament, and thanked Kyrgios for making it such a special experience.
Fearnley’s story is just one example of the many fan interactions that make the Australian Open a unique and exciting event for tennis enthusiasts. As the tournament continues to captivate audiences around the world, players like Kyrgios are not only showcasing their skills on the court but also connecting with fans in a meaningful way.
As the whirlwind of the Australian Open unfolds, it’s heartwarming to hear stories like Fearnley’s that highlight the positive impact of sports and the connections it can create between players and fans. Here’s to more memorable moments and fan interactions as the tournament progresses.
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Naomi Osaka Scores Big as Aryna Sabalenka Joins Nick Kyrgios to Commit to Her Groundbreaking Player Initiative
Aryna Sabalenka is a force to be reckoned with, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down! After an incredible 2024 that saw her win two Grand Slams and snatch the World No. 1 ranking from Iga Swiatek, the tennis star’s impact is now making waves off the court too. The latest buzz? Sabalenka has joined the exclusive club of elite players under the banner of Naomi Osaka’s venture, Evolve—following in the footsteps of none other than Nick Kyrgios!
The Belarusian tennis sensation is currently enjoying her campaign at Brisbane International and has qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament. She will be facing Mirra Andreeva in the final four and would look forward to boosting her morale ahead of the Australian Open. But ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, Sabalenka has entered into an agreement with Evolve, stylized as EVOLVE, joining several other tennis entities and becoming one of the biggest WTA names to join Osaka’s endeavor.
Taking to its official Instagram handle on Friday, Evolve announced the remarkable partnership. Captioning the story, it wrote, “Welcome to EVOLVE @arynasabalenka .” Remember, it was in 2022 when Osaka ended her partnership with IMG to launch her own sports agency, Evolve, with her agent Stuart Duguid. Since then, she has managed to work with several iconic players like Nick Kyrgios.
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It was in June 2022, when Kyrgios became one of the first tennis players to sign to Osaka’s sports agency. The Japanese tennis star had lauded the Australian sensation back then, saying, “Kyrgios embodies the types of athletes we want to work with at Evolve.” Remember, Osaka’s venture wishes to focus on aspects like brand partnerships, investing, creating athlete-owned businesses, and philanthropy. In the process, it also managed to sign a deal with Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya, and Tunisian star Ons Jabeur.
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“Ons is an ideal Evolve client,” Evolve co-founder Duguid said after the partnership. However, Sabalenka’s addition to the agency will help it boost the brand image further given the achievements that the World No. 1 has amassed. And as she inches closer to yet another title in Brisbane, her strength on the courts is only getting stronger. Meanwhile, besides her off-court endeavors, the Belarusian star is equally focused on her campaigns on the courts. And it is probably for this reason, that despite tasting great success, she wishes to continue improving herself.
Aryna Sabalenka opens up on her plans for the 2025 season
Aryna Sabalenka proved her mettle quite strongly in 2024. She managed to remain stoic in the toughest of situations and overcame barriers with determination. But despite putting in graceful efforts, the star player does not want to leave any room for mistakes and wishes to continue improving herself as she steps into a new season.
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Speaking about the same to BBC Sports, Sabalenka said, “There are so many things to improve.” Continuing further, she added, “I’m not that good with maybe my game at the net in singles. There is a lot of things to improve in my touch game. Even my serve is not as good as I want it to be, so there is always (elements) to improve.” And it would not be wrong to say that the ongoing campaign is sort of an experiment for her ahead of a motivated run in Melbourne.
“The first tournament before the major tournament is the one where you can try it out and see what’s going to work well for you, and what’s not,” Sabalenka said earlier in the interview. As the new season kicks off, Sabalenka is clearly aiming for more than just trophies—she’s cementing herself as a global icon. Now, the question is what’s next for the remarkable Belarusian? Well, only time will tell.
Naomi Osaka Scores Big as Aryna Sabalenka Joins Nick Kyrgios to Commit to Her Groundbreaking Player InitiativeIn a move that is shaking up the world of professional tennis, Naomi Osaka has scored big by getting Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios to commit to her groundbreaking player initiative. Osaka, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health and social justice issues, launched the initiative to create a platform for players to come together and address important issues facing the sport.
Sabalenka, the world No. 2 in women’s tennis, and Kyrgios, known for his fiery on-court antics and off-court activism, have both pledged their support to Osaka’s initiative. This marks a significant moment in the sport, as top players are starting to take a more active role in shaping the future of tennis.
Osaka’s initiative aims to provide a safe space for players to discuss and address issues such as mental health, diversity and inclusion, and player rights. By bringing together players from different backgrounds and experiences, Osaka hopes to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all players on tour.
With Sabalenka and Kyrgios on board, Osaka’s initiative is gaining momentum and could potentially lead to positive changes in the sport. As more players join forces to address important issues, the future of tennis is looking brighter than ever. Osaka’s leadership and vision are truly inspiring, and her efforts are sure to have a lasting impact on the sport.
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Scouting Report: Djokovic & Kyrgios in Brisbane, Rublev headlines Hong Kong | ATP Tour
Scouting Report
Scouting Report: Djokovic & Kyrgios’ double duty in Brisbane, Rublev headlines Hong Kong
An executive summary of what every fan should know about the coming week
December 29, 2024
Chris Hyde/Bradley Kanaris/Julian Finney/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios and Andrey Rublev will begin their 2025 seasons this week.
By ATP StaffWith the 2025 ATP Tour season already underway at the United Cup, a host of top stars are set to join in the action this week in Brisbane and Hong Kong.
Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov and Holger Rune lead the field at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, where home favourite Nick Kyrgios competes in his first tour-level event since June 2023. At the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open, Andrey Rublev returns as the top seed and defending champion.
ATPTour.com looks ahead at five things to watch at each event.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN BRISBANE
1) Djokovic Seeks Fast Start In 2025: Fans in Brisbane will have the chance to watch Novak Djokovic up close for the first time since 2009 when the Serbian steps on court at Pat Rafter Arena. The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, who is chasing his 100th tour-level title, will take on home wild card Rinky Hijikata in his opening singles match. Djokovic, whose only title in 2024 came at the Paris Olympics, will be competing for the first time since he reached the Rolex Shanghai Masters final in September.2) Kyrgios Makes Tour Return: After missing more than 18 months due to injury, Nick Kyrgios makes his return to the ATP Tour in Brisbane. The 29-year-old, a former World No. 13, lifted one of his seven tour-level titles in Brisbane in 2018. Kyrgios begins his campaign against the fast-rising big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Queensland.
You May Also Like: Nervous, excited, reflective… Nick Kyrgios is all of the above ahead of Brisbane return3) Defending Champ Dimitrov: Grigor Dimitrov snapped a six-year title drought in Brisbane a year ago. The Bulgarian’s title run at the ATP 250 set him up for a rock-solid 2024 season during which he racked up 46 tour-level wins and returned to the Top 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time since 2018. He returns to Brisbane for the 2025 edition as the second seed.
4) Top 20 Stars: Third seed Holger Rune will aim to go one step further in Brisbane after his championship-match run a year ago. The World No. 13 is chasing his first ATP Tour crown since April 2023. Another Top 20 star, Frances Tiafoe, is aiming for his second tour-level hard-court trophy after his Delray Beach triumph in 2018. The American is a potential second-round opponent for Kyrgios.
5) Djokovic/Kyrgios Double Up: Before either Djokovic or Kyrgios step onto the singles court, the pair will team up for some star-studded doubles action in Brisbane. Competing for the first time together, the duo will face Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies on Monday not before 6:30 p.m. local time. The winner of that match faces top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN HONG KONG
1) Rublev Seeks Consecutive HK Crowns: Andrey Rublev enjoyed a memorable week when the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open last season returned to the ATP Tour calendar for the first time since 2002. Rublev kick-started his 2024 season by lifting his 15th tour-level title at the ATP 250, and he will again compete as the top seed at the 2025 edition. The World No. 8 begins his title defence against Roman Safiullin or Fabian Marozsan.2) Musetti Leads Top 20 Charge: A trio of Top 20 stars — Lorenzo Musetti, Karen Khachanov and Arthur Fils — will aim to launch 2025 with a title in Hong Kong. Musetti is chasing his first tour-level title since 2022, while Khachanov and Fils each lifted two trophies in 2024.
3) Shang Meets Home Hope Wong: The 2024 semi-finalist Shang Juncheng may be a fan favourite in Hong Kong, but the #NextGenATP star’s opening opponent Coleman Wong, the No. 1 player from Hong Kong in the PIF ATP Rankings, will likely also enjoy plenty of crowd support. The first-round clash will be the second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting between the two, after Shang triumphed last October in Shanghai.
4) Can Nishikori, Shapovalov Continue Comebacks?: Kei Nishikori and Denis Shapovalov have each struggled with injury in recent seasons, but both finished 2024 on a high. The former World No. 4 Nishikori lifted an ATP Challenger Tour crown to cap his year in November, while Shapovalov claimed his second ATP Tour title that same month in Belgrade. The two players will face off in the first round in Hong Kong, with the winner facing Khachanov in the second round.
5) Doumbia/Reboul Seek Asian Hat-trick: Two-time Chengdu titlists Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul seek their third tour-level crown in Asia as the top seeds in Hong Kong. Their rivals in the draw include second seeds Adam Pavlasek and Jean-Julien Rojer, while singles stars in doubles action include Khachanov/Rublev, Shang/Shapovalov and Musetti/Lorenzo Sonego.
How To Watch This Week’s Tournaments
Scouting Report: Djokovic & Kyrgios in Brisbane, Rublev headlines Hong Kong | ATP TourThe ATP Tour is heating up as some of the top players in the world are set to showcase their skills in Brisbane and Hong Kong. In Brisbane, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios as they battle it out for the title. Djokovic, the current world No. 1, is coming off a dominant 2021 season and will be looking to continue his winning ways in the new year. Kyrgios, known for his flashy playing style and big serves, will be looking to pull off an upset and claim the title on his home turf.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, rising star Andrey Rublev will be the player to watch as he headlines the tournament. Rublev, who has been making waves on the ATP Tour with his powerful game, will be looking to start the year on a high note and continue his climb up the rankings. With his aggressive playing style and strong mentality, Rublev is sure to be a formidable opponent for anyone he faces in Hong Kong.
As the action unfolds in Brisbane and Hong Kong, tennis fans can expect to see some thrilling matches and exciting moments as these top players battle it out for the titles. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results from these tournaments on the ATP Tour.
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Nick Kyrgios ready to battle on ATP Tour return | ATP Tour
Brisbane
Kyrgios ‘hit by a bus’ in Brisbane, eager to push forward
Australian reflects on his first tour-level match in 18 months
December 31, 2024
Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios in action on Tuesday at the Brisbane International presented by Evie.
By ATP StaffNick Kyrgios knows a thing or two about big serving.
The Australian owns one of the most devastating deliveries on the ATP Tour and has competed against some of tennis’ most renowned servers, including Ivo Karlovic, John Isner and Milos Raonic. Yet Kyrgios believes he may have just experienced the toughest returning experience of his life against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Brisbane International presented by Evie.
“I obviously went into the match understanding how he played,” said Kyrgios of the fast-rising Frenchman, who fired 36 aces in the pair’s maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash. “I already knew that he liked to hit two first serves, but props to him, he’s found what works for his game style and he’s committed to that. He’s going to do some damage, for sure. He’s going to have a long career.
“He’s got an easy action on his serve. There were no real dips in speed or anything like that… Props to him. He’s a hell of a player. I have played Karlovic, Isner, Raonic, all the big servers, and he’s got the biggest serve by far. Yeah, that was interesting. And it sucked.”
You May Also Like: How Mpetshi Perricard has become one of the game’s biggest serversDespite falling to a deciding-set tie-break defeat to Mpetshi Perricard, Kyrgios also spoke positively about his own performance after making his return from an 18-month injury layoff. The 29-year-old, a former No. 13 in the PIF ATP Rankings, was delighted with his level after competing for the first time since undergoing wrist surgery in September 2023.
“For me, honestly, it was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months,” said Kyrgios. “To put myself in a winning position was exciting. It was just good to be back out there and to say that I can still play a level against someone like that, who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better and confident, and I’m coming back and I asked the question. He just played a couple big points better than I did.”
Tuesday’s match against the biggest server on Tour was undoubtedly a physical test for Kyrgios, but that did not stop him enjoying the emotional side of his long-awaited return to ATP Tour singles action.
“I did miss the competition. I compete every day, whether it’s a game on my phone or [whatever]. I love the competition,” he said. “I have given a lot to this sport, and everything that’s come good in my life has come basically from this sport.
“Going out there again, playing a top player like that, super confident, even getting aced. I was 2/4 down in the third-set tie-break, change of ends, and I was still smiling to myself right in the heat of the battle. Eighteen months ago, if you asked me and my physio and my coach that’s here this week, he was feeding me fluffy balls on my wrist. We were not expecting to be here playing again and at such a high level. We were literally a couple of points from winning.”
Having also contested a first-round doubles match on Monday in Brisbane, Kyrgios acknowledged to feeling soreness in his wrist after back-to-back match days. Yet he is feeling good about returning to court on Wednesday alongside Novak Djokovic for the pair’s second-round doubles match against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
“I felt like I had been hit by a bus yesterday after doubles, to be honest. I was on the treatment table for an hour and a half before bed,” revealed Kyrgios. “But we know that’s how it’s going to be. Even doubles, you just can’t replicate the match pressure, the nervous energy. You’re returning, like these guys are professionals. The doubles guys yesterday, they were serving massive. It’s still reflex and volleys.
“For my wrist, it’s all new ground now. Today is another building block I think in the journey. I went from literally practising with people unranked in Canberra to facing the biggest server in the world in a week… I think tomorrow it’s going to be a bit of a rough day for my wrist, to be honest. It’s very sore at the moment. We were expecting that. I’m going to do all the right things, and I’ll be playing doubles, for sure.”
After months of uncertainty and speculation, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is finally ready to make his return to the ATP Tour. Known for his fiery personality and explosive playing style, Kyrgios is sure to bring plenty of excitement and drama to the upcoming tournaments.Kyrgios has been out of action for quite some time due to various injuries and personal reasons, but he has been training hard and is eager to get back on the court. With his trademark powerful serves and unpredictable shot-making, Kyrgios is always a threat to his opponents, no matter their ranking.
Fans can expect to see Kyrgios at his best as he gears up for his return to competition. Whether he’s facing off against top-ranked players or up-and-coming stars, Kyrgios is sure to put on a show and leave it all out on the court.
It’s been too long since we’ve seen Kyrgios in action, and his return is sure to spice up the ATP Tour. Get ready for some thrilling matches and epic showdowns as Kyrgios battles his way back to the top of the tennis world.
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Brisbane International: Nick Kyrgios loses on singles comeback before Novak Djokovic earns win
Backed again by an exuberant and partisan home crowd, Kyrgios showed plenty of the talent which enabled him to reach the Wimbledon final in 2022.
The former world number 13, who won in the doubles alongside one-time nemesis Djokovic on Monday, showed the injury problems have not weakened his serve – which has always been one of his biggest assets.
Kyrgios did not drop a service game against the 31st-ranked Mpetshi Perricard, saving the two break points which he faced.
But his problem was Mpetshi Perricard – a 6ft 8in serving machine who had a startling climb from outside the top 200 in the ATP rankings last season – served even bigger.
Mpetshi Perricard hit 36 aces and won 89% of his first-serve points as he also saved two break points.
“For me, honestly, it was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months. And to put myself in a winning position was exciting,” said Kyrgios.
“It was just good to be back out there and to say that I can still play a level against someone like that who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better.”
Later on Tuesday, 24-time major champion Djokovic moved into the second round with an assured performance in his first singles match since October.
The 37-year-old Serb, who will be coached by the recently retired Andy Murray at the Australian Open, looked sharp in a 6-3 6-3 win over Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
“To start off the new season with a win is very important,” said Djokovic, who is bidding for the 100th singles title of his career.
“Rinky made me work hard for the win.”
Nick Kyrgios’ highly anticipated singles comeback at the Brisbane International ended in disappointment as he was defeated by Alexander Bublik in the first round. Despite showing flashes of his trademark flair and power, Kyrgios was unable to overcome his opponent’s consistent play.However, the Australian tennis star didn’t stay down for long as he quickly rebounded in the doubles competition, teaming up with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis to secure a victory.
Meanwhile, world number one Novak Djokovic continued his dominant form at the tournament, defeating his opponent in straight sets to advance to the next round. With his eye on the prize, Djokovic looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament and solidify his status as one of the top players in the world.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Brisbane International as the action continues to unfold on the court.
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Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s ace assault dents Nick Kyrgios’ comeback in Brisbane | ATP Tour
Brisbane
Mpetshi Perricard’s ace assault dents Kyrgios’ comeback in Brisbane
Aussie was playing first match since wrist surgery
December 31, 2024
2024 Getty Images
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard plays his first match of the 2025 ATP Tour season.
By ATP StaffFrench powerhouse Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard snuffed out Nick Kyrgios‘ hopes of a winning return to the ATP Tour Tuesday as he defeated the Australian 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3) at the Brisbane International presented by Evie.
Going big on both first and second serves, the 21-year-old Frenchman fired 36 aces and put Kyrgios’ wrist through a stern test in the Australian’s first tour-level match since September 2023 wrist surgery. Gio served a game of aces to go ahead 5-4 in the third set and claimed two mini-breaks in the decisive tie-break to claim victory.
Mpetshi Perricard was also lethal from the baseline, crushing eight forehand winners in the first set alone. He also unveiled an upgraded backhand that proved resilient under pressure and produced a spectacular down-the-line winner in the fifth game of the opening set that left Kyrgios floundering.
“Playing against Nick was a good match for me, he did some good things during the match,” said Mpetshi Perricard. “He was very confident, a good serve. I tried my best and it worked.
“It was very exciting to play this one, and I’m very happy to get the win. I knew it was going to be a serve match. I hope I will have a nice recovery and be back in two days.”
Mpetshi Perricard, who last year climbed from No. 205 to No. 31 in the PIF ATP Rankings, next faces American fourth seed Frances Tiafoe.
Playing his first match since September 2023 wrist surgery, 29-year-old Kyrgios moved freely and showed few signs of rust. But he did play with heavy taping on his wrist and called the physio to court after dropping the first set.
He also played a composed match, exchanging little banter with the chair umpire and showing few signs of frustration.
You May Also Like: How Mpetshi Perricard has become one of the game’s biggest serversAlthough he may not have hit his spots on serve early in the match, Kyrgios finished with 15 aces. He put 76 per cent of first serves into play, winning 83 per cent of those points. He also won 69 per cent of second serves and saved both break points he faced. Mpetshi Perricard also saved both break points faced.
Perricard finished with 59 winners, including 15 off his forehand wing, and 34 unforced errors, including seven double faults.
In a thrilling match at the Brisbane International, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard delivered a stunning performance to defeat Nick Kyrgios and put a dent in the Australian’s comeback hopes.Perricard, a rising star on the ATP Tour, showcased his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game to secure a hard-fought victory over Kyrgios, who was making his return to competitive tennis after a lengthy absence.
Despite facing a hostile crowd cheering for the local favorite, Perricard remained composed and focused throughout the match, showcasing his mental toughness and determination to come out on top.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Perricard, who is looking to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in men’s tennis.
As for Kyrgios, the loss serves as a setback in his comeback journey, but the talented Australian is sure to bounce back stronger and continue to delight fans with his electrifying play on the court.
Overall, the match between Perricard and Kyrgios was a thrilling display of top-class tennis, with Perricard emerging as the victor and making a statement to the tennis world. Stay tuned to see what the future holds for these two talented players on the ATP Tour.
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Djokovic and Kyrgios lose in doubles to top-seeded team at the Brisbane International
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — The new doubles team of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are out of the Brisbane International in the second round.
The pair, granted a wild-card entry by tournament organizers, lost 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 Wednesday to the top-seeded team of Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.
A Djokovic double-fault with the duo leading 8-6 in the match tiebreak was key to the defeat as they lost the last four points of the match.
“Incredible,” Mektic told the sold-out crowd. “I was very happy when I saw them, I could play them on the first of January. It’s an amazing feeling to start the year like this and we knew there would be points like that against players like this.”
DJokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena.
Kyrgios lost his opening singles match on Tuesday after an 18-month absence from the tour due to injuries. Djokovic won his first singles match on the same day and will next play Gael Monfils, who he has a 19-0 record against.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
In a surprising turn of events at the Brisbane International, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have been defeated in doubles by the top-seeded team. Despite their individual success on the singles circuit, the pair were unable to overcome their opponents in this doubles match.The top-seeded team proved too strong for Djokovic and Kyrgios, displaying their skill and teamwork on the court. The match was a closely contested affair, but ultimately the top-seeded team emerged victorious, ending Djokovic and Kyrgios’ run in the doubles competition.
While this loss may come as a disappointment to fans of Djokovic and Kyrgios, it serves as a reminder of the competitiveness of the doubles format. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and communication in doubles play, which can sometimes differ from the individual nature of singles matches.
Despite this setback, Djokovic and Kyrgios will no doubt regroup and focus on their upcoming singles matches at the Brisbane International. Their talent and determination are sure to see them bounce back from this defeat and continue to showcase their skills on the tennis court.
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Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter in ‘terrible’ twist as Novak Djokovic sledge burns Nick Kyrgios
Katie Boulter has admitted it will be “terrible” cheering against fiance Alex de Minaur after handing Australia a huge boost in the United Cup on Monday night. And Nick Kyrgios made a successful return to tennis alongside Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International.
Boulter’s Great Britain team defeated Argentina 2-1, handing her fiance and the Aussies a big chance to make the quarter-finals. Boulter and Charles Broom sealed victory for Team GB with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 win over Maria Carle and Tomas Etcheverry in the mixed doubles at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
Katie Boulter handed Alex de Minaur a huge boost at the United Cup, while Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios won their doubles opener. Image: Getty/Channel 9 Boulter had earlier won the women’s singles rubber with a 6-2 6-3 win against Nadia Podoroska, and continued her impressive form in the doubles. It means Australia can still progress to the quarters after their loss to Argentina in the opening tie.
De Minaur and the Aussies would need to beat his fiancee’s GB team on Wednesday to progress to the knockout stage. “We did them (Australia) a favour today giving them a 2-1 win, so they can thank us later for that,” Boulter said. “We’ve got everything to play for. I’m going to come in all blazing.”
Katie Boulter and Charles Broom celebrate their victory at the United Cup. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images) Boulter is unlikely to come face-to-face with de Minaur in the mixed doubles on Wednesday, with Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez the likely picks for Australia. And she admitted it won’t be easy cheering for her teammates to beat her fiance.
“I don’t know about having a little match against him,” Boulter said. “I think that’s going to be terrible and a bit of a popcorn match.” It marks the second year in a row that Boulter and de Minaur have clashed on rival teams in the United Cup. And it comes after the superstar couple announced their engagement earlier this month after four years together.
Novak Djokovic’s cheeky sledge for Nick Kyrgios
Meanwhile, Kyrgios teamed up with Djokovic to beat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 in the doubles in Brisbane on Monday night. Kyrgios didn’t show any signs of rust while playing just his second tour-level match in two-and-a-half years, producing a strong serving display and moving freely.
Djokovic was full of praise for Kyrgios, but burned his Aussie friend with a cheeky sledge during their on-court interview. When Kyrgios said he was trying to be as “professional” as possible, Djokovic cracked back: “The highlight of this interview so far… his sentence, ‘I’m trying to be professional.’ I love it. I love it.”
Djokovic & Kyrgios after winning doubles match in Brisbane with Nick Kyrgios
Nick: “Everyone in here is wanting me to hit underarm. I’m trying to be professional.”
Novak: “The highlight of this interview so far… his sentence, ‘I’m trying to be professional.’ I love it. I love… pic.twitter.com/4yQWT8NdiI
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 30, 2024
The 24-time grand slam champion was so impressed by what he saw that he reckons Kyrgios can trouble anyone at the Australian Open – even the world’s best. “Hopefully Nick can stay healthy because, with this game, he can beat anybody on any surface, so it’s great and exciting news for all the tennis world seeing him back on the court,” Djokovic said. “It’s hopefully a great start of the season for both of us and we can keep it going in singles and see how far we can go.”
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic won their doubles opener at the Brisbane International. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Djokovic was back in action after skipping the ATP Finals at the end of the season. He won gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024, but failed to win a single grand slam for the first time in seven years. However the 10-time Australian Open champion is adamant he can claim an unprecedented 25th grand slam crown in 2025.
“I feel great, cannot ask for a better start of the season sharing the court with Nick for the first time,” said the Serb. “Winning the match, getting a little bit of a feel for for the court. I look forward to obviously singles, a completely different, different match, different feeling on the court I’m going to have to do – much more running, but I’m ready for it.”
with AAP
In a shocking turn of events, rising tennis stars Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter have been caught in the crossfire of a heated exchange between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. The incident occurred during a recent tournament, where Djokovic allegedly made a sly remark about Kyrgios that has left both de Minaur and Boulter feeling uncomfortable.The tension between Djokovic and Kyrgios has been well-documented in the past, with both players exchanging barbs both on and off the court. However, this latest incident has taken a toll on the younger players, who were caught in the middle of the drama.
De Minaur and Boulter, who have been making a name for themselves in the tennis world, were left feeling uneasy after witnessing the confrontation between Djokovic and Kyrgios. The sledge from Djokovic has caused a rift in the tennis community, with many fans and players taking sides in the ongoing feud.
As the dust settles on this latest controversy, it remains to be seen how de Minaur and Boulter will navigate the fallout from this unexpected twist. Will they be able to rise above the drama and focus on their game, or will they be dragged into the ongoing feud between Djokovic and Kyrgios? Only time will tell.
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Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic win first doubles match at Brisbane International ahead of Australian Open | Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios made a winning return to tennis as he partnered with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing as the Brisbane International.
Kyrgios, who had not played for 18 months, and Djokovic beat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 to the delight of the crowd in Brisbane.
The fans were treated to some spectacular moments including an around-the-net winner from Djokovic and a tweener from Kyrgios.
Djokovic beat Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final and the pair have developed a close friendship since then.
“That was awesome! An amazing atmosphere. Great to be back,” said Djokovic.
“I want to thank Nick for playing. He said the other day it should be a pleasure to play with him and it is!
“I’m glad to share the court with him on his comeback. I haven’t played many doubles matches, so whatever Nick was saying I was following.”
Kyrgios loved Djokovic’s round-the-net shot
Kyrgios added: “I was surprised he doubted himself a little bit in some moments and I was like ‘brother, you’re the greatest of all time, go for it, do what you have to do’.
“I was looking around at all the fans and this beautiful stadium. This injury has been brutal for me, so I wasn’t taking this for granted. I don’t know how many Aussie summers I’ve got left.
“We promised we were going to do this one time before he goes or I go.”
Kyrgios showed everyone what they’ve been missing as he won a point in his doubles match with Djokovic with a lovely tweener lob
Kyrgios will make his first singles appearance since June 2023 on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports Tennis, when he plays France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, while Djokovic will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will return to men’s doubles action on Wednesday against top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
Kyrgios said he’s trying to be professional after fans were calling for him to make underarm serves, while Djokovic said it was a pleasure to play to with him, after their doubles win in Brisbane
Norrie sees off Tien in Hong Kong
At the Hong Kong Open, Britain’s Cameron Norrie kicked off his 2025 season with a 6-3 7-5 win over ATP Next Gen finalist Learner Tien.
Norrie struggled with injury throughout 2024, missing the North American swing in the summer, including the US Open.
However, he was runner-up at the Moselle Open in November and has finished the calendar year on a high.
“That was a tough match throughout. I played a high level throughout,” said Norrie, who will play Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the next round on Wednesday.
“He’s a top player and is a young and up and coming player. He was very calm. I was down a break in the second set but got fortunate at 5-5 and served it out.”
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In a thrilling start to the 2022 season, Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic teamed up to win their first doubles match at the Brisbane International. The dynamic duo showcased their incredible chemistry on the court, defeating their opponents with a combination of power and finesse.Fans were treated to an exciting display of tennis as Kyrgios and Djokovic displayed their exceptional skills and teamwork. The victory serves as a strong statement ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, with both players looking to make a strong impact in the singles and doubles events.
Kyrgios, known for his powerful serves and flashy shot-making, complemented Djokovic’s steady and consistent play perfectly. The two superstars showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the doubles format, and their performance has certainly raised expectations for their upcoming matches.
As they continue their partnership at the Brisbane International and beyond, fans can expect more exciting and entertaining tennis from Kyrgios and Djokovic. With their impressive start to the season, the duo is poised to make a deep run in the doubles competition and add another title to their already illustrious careers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic’s journey at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open as they look to make a lasting impact on the tennis world.
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