Kyrgios’ return ends in first-round loss in Brisbane

In the opening match of the Brisbane International, Nick Kyrgios lost to Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets in his first ATP Tour appearance since March.

The 30-year-old Australian was given a wildcard for the event after only six ATP singles matches in the previous three years and was eliminated from the tournament by American Kovacevic in just 65 minutes.

The defeat comes after Kyrgios won last month’s exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka, the female world number one.

Kyrgios and world number 58 Kovacevic exchanged elbows in disarray during the second set, where they managed to draw a point with one of their signature underarm serves.

Kyrgios’ chances of winning his first Grand Slam since his first-round defeat by Jacob Fearnley at his home tournament in 2025 will suffer as a result.

Next up for him is a matchup on Wednesday with Australian-Greek partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, who will then compete in the Kooyong Classic warm-up exhibition in Melbourne the following week.