Nick Kyrgios lost a three-set epic on his men's singles return at the Brisbane International after 18 months out through injury.

The Australian was beaten 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard over two and a half hours on Tuesday.

Having made a triumphant return in the doubles alongside Novak Djokovic on Monday, Kyrgios struggled against the big-serving Frenchman in a tightly fought contest.

The only time Kyrgios dropped his serve was during all the first and last tiebreaks, having valiantly gone toe-to-toe throughout all three sets.

Mpetshi Perricard hit 36 aces throughout the match, including a whopping 15 in the final set, the same amount Kyrgios managed overall.

Did you get one of the balls @MpetshiG sent down for 36 aces in his big win over Nick Kyrgios?!

The Frenchman advances 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3)#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/2ov1JwZ8Aa
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 31, 2024

"Not too bad," he laughed at his ace count. "I knew it was going to be a serve match, so Nick did a good job … I hope I will do a nice recovery and be back in two days.

"He [Kyrgios] did some good things during the match. He was very, very confident, a good serve. I tried my best; it worked, but I'm sure he's going to be back in the next few months.

"I mean it was very exciting to play this one. I'm very happy to get the win."

Mpetschi Perricard will face fourth-seed Frances Tiafoe, who beat Australian wildcard Adam Walton in straight sets, in the second round. Kyrgios, meanwhile, will be back in action in the doubles on Wednesday.