Djokovic eases past Hijikata, Sabalenka beats Zarazua in Brisbane

At the Brisbane International, Novak Djokovic of Serbia comfortably reached the second round by easing past Australian wild-card entry Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday.

A day after beginning his season with a doubles victory alongside foe turned friend Nick Kyrgios at the ATP 250 event, Djokovic won the first set 6-3 with an ace.

Home favorite Hijikata battled admirably, but ultimately lacked the weapons to threaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion who broke for a 4-3 lead in the second set. Djokovic went on to win the set 6-3 and in the second round will face Gael Monfils of France who lost to Djokovic in their all 19 meetings.

In the women's event, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her season with straight sets win over Mexican Renata Zarazua.

The Belarusian broke Zarazua for a 2-0 lead in the first set. The two-time reigning Australian Open champion then saved a break point with a forehand winner.

Zarazua then held at love for 4-4. But Sabalenka was able to break the next service game to take the first set 6-4.

The second set was all Sabalenka who bageled it 6-0. She will face Kazakhstan's 15th seed Yulia Putintseva in the last 16.