BRISBANE:
Former world number one Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown in January in Melbourne, eased to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
The 37-year-old Serb broke Hijikata once in the first set and twice in the second for a comfortable 74-minute win.
Djokovic, now ranked seven in the world, was all business against the young Australian and always looked in control as he set up a second-round clash against fellow veteran Gael Monfils.
"To start the new season with a win is obviously very important," said Djokovic, who is pursuing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title.
"But Hijikata was really good tonight and he made me work for it."
This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Ranchi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Ranchi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aubrey's husband, director Jeff Baena, dies by suicide
Actor-comedian Aubrey Plaza is mourning the loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena, who died at the age of 47.
Sparks of Trouble for Coldplay Gujarat gig!
Ahead of its highly anticipated India tour, British rock band Coldplay is making headlines again!
It's frustrating but you have to respect your body: Bumrah
Laid low by a back spasm, Jasprit Bumrah was frustrated at missing out on bowling on the \"spiciest wicket of the series,\" but the premier India pacer emphasized that sometimes it becomes imperative for a player to respect his body.
Australia knock rudderless India out of WTC final; reclaim BGT
A listless India was knocked out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final as Australia cruised to a six-wicket victory in the fifth Test here on Sunday to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, leaving the visitors with much to deliberate in a difficult transition phase made worse by over-the-hill batting stars.
Sabalenka Warms Up For Aus Open With Brisbane Win
World number one Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed the perfect warm-up for next week's Australian Open when she downed Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova to win the Brisbane International on Sunday.
Gavaskar Upset After Not Invited To Present BGT With Border
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Sunday expressed his displeasure after not being invited to present the trophy, named after him and Allan Border, to Australia following their win over India in the high-voltage five-match rubber.
Gauff beats Swiatek, USA down Poland in United Cup
Coco Gauff roared past Iga Swiatek to inspire team USA Sunday before Taylor Fritz sealed the United Cup title with victory over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney.
FMCG cos expect inflation to hit volume growth in Q3
Hit by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter.
Osaka Retires With Injury From Aus Open Warm-Up
Naomi Osaka retired from the final of the Auckland Classic with an abdominal injury Sunday, a blow to the Japanese star just a week before the start of the Australian Open.
Nippon Takeover Block Creates Uncertainty for US Workers
The Decision Reflects a Growing Bipartisan Shift Away From Free Trade and Open Investment
