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.”