Kyrgios’ return ends in defeat

Nick Kyrgios’ first ATP Tour match since March ended in a first-round defeat at the Brisbane International, while Britain’s Cameron Norrie fought off three match points as he booked his place in the second round. Australian Kyrgios, 30, who had played only six ATP singles matches in the past three seasons and was given a […]

Nick Kyrgios’ first ATP Tour match since March ended in a first-round defeat at the Brisbane International, while Britain’s Cameron Norrie fought off three match points as he booked his place in the second round.

Australian Kyrgios, 30, who had played only six ATP singles matches in the past three seasons and was given a wildcard for the event, was beaten 6-3 6-4 in just 65 minutes by Aleksandar Kovacevic.

The defeat follows Kyrgios’ victory in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka last month.

Norrie, meanwhile, took nearly three hours to battle past Frenchman Ugo Humbert 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 to set up a tie with American Kovacevic in the next round.