The top seed Novak Djokovic made a winning start to the season in Brisbane. The 24-time Major winner defeated Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the ATP 250 event. The legend sealed the deal in an hour and 14 minutes, controlling the scoreboard and sailing over the top.
It was Novak’s first Brisbane International match since 2009. The Serb outplayed the home star on serve and return. Djokovic dropped ten points in nine service games, facing no break points and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
Hijikata could not follow that pace. The lower-ranked player dropped 44% of the points in his games and suffered three breaks from five chances presented to the legend. It was Novak’s first official match since the Shanghai Masters final, and he was pleased with his level.
The Serb’s serve worked like a charm, and he took the upper hand from the baseline in a rock-solid victory. Novak made a reliable start. He fired a backhand down the line winner in the first game for a hold at love and clinched a break in the next one for 2-0.
Rinky Hijikata, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
They served well in the upcoming games, with Hikijata following Djokovic’s pace. Novak served for the opener at 5-3 and fired two powerful serves at a deuce for 6-3 in 39 minutes. They stayed neck and neck in the opening six games of the second set, locking the result at 3-3.
Djokovic made a push on the return in game seven and secured a break that sent him in front. The 24-time Major winner sealed the deal with another return game on his tally at 5-3, making a winning start and reaching the second round.
Novak will face his old friend Gael Monfils in the second round.
Tennis World USA