24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic beat wild card Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 within the first spherical on the Brisbane Worldwide introduced by Evie, on Tuesday night.
The highest seed from Serbia earned a snug triumph in opposition to the house favorite in 75 minutes inside Pat Rafter Area. He broke thrice from 5 alternatives and didn’t face a single break level through the contest.
It was Novak’s first tour-level singles match since October.
“I all the time count on myself to do properly on the court docket. A win is a win,” mentioned Djokovic in his on-court interview. “To begin off the brand new season with a win is essential. I believe Hijikata deserves an incredible spherical of applause for his efficiency tonight, he was actually good. He made me work, undoubtedly, for the win tonight.”
Match statistics: aces (12-7), double faults (0-1), winners (26-15), unforced errors (12-16), whole factors gained (61-40).
For quarter-final spot on the ATP 250 occasion, Novak will face Gael Monfils on Thursday. He holds an ideal 19-0 ATP H2H report in opposition to the Frenchman.
Photograph: Profimedia
