Game, set, match! 
Tennis superstars Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka served up some serious heat at the Brisbane International, cruising into the second round and leaving fans buzzing!
Djokovic Dominates Down Under 
World No.1 Novak Djokovic kick-started his Brisbane campaign in style, breezing past Aussie wild-card Rinky Hijikata with a solid 6-3, 6-3 victory. Just a day after teaming up with none other than Nick Kyrgios in doubles (talk about a dynamic duo!), Djokovic was all smiles and aces.
Hijikata put up a spirited fight, but Djokovic’s experience and finesse proved too much. The Serb broke serve for a 4-3 lead in the second set and never looked back. Up next? A clash with France's Gaël Monfils. Fun fact: Djokovic holds a 19-0 record against Monfils. Can he make it 20? 
Sabalenka Starts Strong 
On the women's side, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka showed why she's at the top, defeating Mexico's Renata Zarazua in straight sets. The Belarusian powerhouse took the first set 6-4, breaking early and fending off a break point with a sizzling forehand winner. 
The second set? All Sabalenka! She bageled Zarazua 6-0, showcasing her dominant form. Next, she'll face Kazakhstan's 15th seed Yulia Putintseva. With Sabalenka in this kind of mood, we’re expecting fireworks! 
What’s Next? 
The Brisbane International is heating up, and if Day 2 is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrill ride! Stay tuned to see if Djokovic can extend his unbeaten streak against Monfils and if Sabalenka can keep her momentum rolling! Who are you rooting for? Let us know! 
Catch all the action and join the conversation with #BrisbaneInternational!
Reference(s):
Djokovic eases past Hijikata, Sabalenka beats Zarazua in Brisbane
cgtn.com
