Nick Kyrgios lost on his men’s singles return at the Brisbane International after 18 months out due to wrist and knee injuries, while Novak Djokovic won his first match since mid-October.

Kyrgios lost a three-set epic to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) in a contest lasting two hours and 27 minutes, while Djokovic came through a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win over Rinky Hijikata.

Kyrgios and Djokovic had teamed up in the men’s doubles on Monday, the blockbuster pairing beating Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8. They return to face top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus on Wednesday.

Kyrgios has Australian Open doubts | Djokovic ‘excited’ for Murray partnership

Following his singles defeat, Kyrgios said: “It was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months. And 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.”

Kyrgios has used his protected ranking of 21 from before his injury woes to enter the Australian Open but admitted he is unsure yet if he will play in Melbourne.

“It’s how much do I want to take of the trauma on the body, the pain,” the 29-year-old Australian added. “I think I almost need a miracle and I need the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a grand slam for sure.

“Today, if this was a grand slam, we may still be out on court, and I don’t know how I’d pull up the next day or the day after. That’s kind of the reality setting in.”

Meanwhile, after his opening victory, Djokovic revealed that his new coach Andy Murray is following his progress from the ski slopes during a family holiday before teaming up with his old rival at the Australian Open.

“Sending my love to all the Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne,” Djokovic said on court after defeating Hijikata.

“We spoke before the match, we’re communicating daily. I’m excited obviously to have him in my team, in my corner.

“For 20 plus years he’s been across the net; for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court so it should be fun in Melbourne.”

Women’s world No 1 Sabalenka wins Brisbane opener in straight sets

Elsewhere in the men’s singles match, Frances Tiafoe beat Australian wild-card entrant Adam Walton 7-5 (7-5) 6-3. Also, fifth seed and world No 22 Sebastian Korda withdrew with a lower back injury.

In the women’s tournament, world No 1, and two-time reigning Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, started her Brisbane singles campaign with a 6-4 6-0 win over Renata Zarazua.

After a first-round bye, Sabalenka took just 63 minutes to reach the third round with form that shows a three-peat in Melbourne Park beginning on January 12 is a strong possibility.

“First match is always a tricky one to see where your tennis is at,” Sabalenka said. “I’m glad I closed that first set and in the second it felt like whatever I would do would work.”

Sabalenka will play 15th-seeded Yulia Putintseva in the third round after she beat Kessler McCartney 6-2 7-5.

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