Playing his first ATP singles match since October, the Serbian showcased his trademark precision and resilience kicking off his 2025 singles season in impressive fashion.
A day after partnering with Nick Kyrgios for a doubles win, Djokovic delivered a clinical performance in his singles opener. Over the course of 75 minutes, he overwhelmed Hijikata with his impeccable baseline play and unerring serve, winning 81% of points behind his first serve. The 37-year-old did not face a single break point, underscoring his dominance.
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Sometimes you have to play more secure cricket: Pant
In the aftermath of the series-conceding loss in the Melbourne Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had emphasised on a team-first approach, leaving it to the players to decide whether their natural game would work for the team's cause, while skipper Rohit Sharma was more direct on placing the onus on Rishabh Pant to work out his way for what's in the best interest of the team.
Steve Smith '100 per cent' sure of Virat Kohli 'catch'
Australia batter Steve Smith on Friday reacted to India batter Virat Kohli's catch in the first session on Day 1 of the Sydney Test and said that he is 100 per cent sure of getting a hand under it.
Jasprit Bumrah: India's most reliable workhorse during BGT 2024-25
Jasprit Bumrah is one of those fast bowlers who come along once in a generation. The pace maestro has taken the art of seam bowling to a different stratosphere altogether, prompting comparisons with some of the legends of yesteryears.
Bowlers put Aussies in front after another Indian batting collapse
The visitors' top order batters failed to fire once again as the hosts wrested the initiative
Opelka upsets Djokovic in Brisbane International, reaches semifinals
American player Reilly Opelka earned one of the biggest victories of his career on Friday at the Brisbane International as he upset top seed Novak Djokovic, who was aiming to win his 100th tour-level title.
Man City has to think about De Bruyne's future: Guardiola
With Kevin de Bruyne entering the final six months of his contract at Manchester City, head coach Pep Guardiola has claimed the club has to think about the Belgian's future as he is now allowed to explore his options and talk with foreign clubs over pre-contract agreements.
Newcastle hoping to continue winning streak vs Tottenham
Newcastle United, who are on a five-game winning streak, are flying through a treacherous round of fixtures and after having won 0-2 against Manchester United, they will face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday before hosting Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
United Cup: Czechia beat Italy, to meet USA in semis
Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac led Czechia into the semifinals of the United Cup after beating Italy 2-1 in their quarterfinal here on Friday.
Jamshedpur FC hoping to ride home momentum against Bengaluru FC
Hosts face formidable challenge as in-form former champions chase league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant
ISL: FC Goa, Odisha FC Aim to Continue Unbeaten Runs
Both FC Goa and Odisha FC will aim to maintain their respective unbeaten streaks when they meet in an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
