Aryna Sabalenka overcame a sluggish start to open her season with a straight-sets victory Tuesday and kickstart her bid to win the Australian Open for a third consecutive time.

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka launched their Australian Open preparations with straight-sets wins on Tuesday at the Brisbane International but Nick Kyrgios lost on his return from injury. Women's world number one Sabalenka kickstarted her bid to win the Australian Open for a third consecutive time with a straight-forward win after a sluggish start.

Novak Djokovic and Aryana Sabalenka began their season with straight set wins but Nick Kyrgios' return to singles action did not go according to his plans at the Brisbane International on Tuesday. Djokovic tamed local favourite Rinky Hijikata 6-3 6-3 in what was the top seeded Serbian's first tour-level singles match since October.

Nick Kyrgios was beaten on his singles comeback in Brisbane and cast doubt on his Australian Open hopes but Novak Djokovic sent new coach Andy Murray a positive message with a comfortable victory. Murray will join his old rival for the Australian Open next month,