January 3, 2025
Novak Djokovic continued his fine start to the week at the Brisbane International presented by Evie on Tuesday evening, when the top-seeded Serbian eased past home favourite Rinky Hijikata in his first tour-level singles match since October.
A day after beginning his 2025 ATP Tour season with a doubles victory alongside Nick Kyrgios at the ATP 250, Djokovic earned a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 singles triumph against Hijikata. The 37-year-old struck the ball cleanly from the baseline throughout and delivered a typically precise serving display en route to a 75-minute win inside Pat Rafter Arena.
“I always expect myself to do well on the court. Obviously, a win is a win,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “To start off the new season with a win is very important. I think Hijikata deserves a great round of applause for his performance tonight, he was really good. He made me work, definitely, for the win tonight.”
“We will definitely celebrate the new year, we have some plans. My family is here,” said Djokovic, whose match point celebration included mimicking playing a violin, perhaps a reference to the instrument his daughter Tara is learning. “My kids are excited to go past their bedtime. We are going to watch I guess one of many fireworks displays tonight here in Brisbane.”
Djokovic also had a New Year’s Eve message for the Brisbane crowd: “Happy new year in advance to everyone. It’s a special evening. Last year I played a match at the United Cup in Perth just before midnight, and again here in Brisbane, so it’s kind of a tradition now happening each year. Thanks for choosing to come and spend new year’s eve on the court here with us, we appreciate it.”
Awaiting Djokovic in the second round in Brisbane is Gael Monfils, against whom he holds a 19-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head record. The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings is this week aiming to become just the third man to win 100 tour-level titles after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
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