Tennis is finally back โ and don't we love it!
With three ATP 250s and the Hopman Cup in play last week, there was no shortage of fantastic tennis to kick off the 2016 season.
But now that the first week of the tour is over, and three more men have another trophy in the cabinet, what did we learn this week about the upcoming year?
Business as usual for Novak Djokovic
For anyone wondering if Novak Djokovic was human this year, the answer became pretty clear this week: no.
His first title in Qatar saw him go the week without dropping a set, playing only one tiebreak, and defeating three seeds including two top 10 players. Not a bad way to start 2016.
If that wasn't impressive enough, he crushed Rafael Nadal in the Final, 6-1, 6-2. As Master Yoda said, if you're not yet afraid, โyou will be. You will be.โ
Bernard Tomic is as calm and composed as we've ever seen him
Despite not being able to take out his second title in Brisbane, Bernard Tomic played what was arguably his most impressive tennis tournament in years, in his second year under revitalising legendary coach Tony Roche
He defeated top 10 Jap Kei Nishikori on the way to the semi-final, where he was taken out in two tiebreaks by big serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
Bernie exuded the composure that has eluded him his entire career, leading some to believe that now is finally the time he will make his assault on the world top 10.
Nick Kyrgios is going to be big time
If Bernard Tomic's exploits in Brisbane weren't encouraging enough, what Nick Kyrgios did at the Hopman Cup in Perth was overwhelming.
Nick Kyrgios beat multiple opponents on the singles and doubles court whilst leading Australia to their first Cup victory in 17 years, including world number two Andy Murray.
Perhaps most impressively, he did it all in a similar fashion to countryman Bernard Tomic โ completely untroubled and without a wrinkle of stress on his 20 year-old face.
Milos Raonic is deadly serious about this year
Some were unconvinced when Milos Raonic announced after his semi-final win that he was playing the best tennis of his career.
His victory in the Final over Roger Federer the next day soon had all the doubters convinced.
Raonic's remarkable straight sets victory is just the second time in his 11 meetings with Fed Express that he has come out victorious. The former world number four is clearly less than happy about ending the year ranked #14.
Tennis is finally back baby!
What a great way for both Aussies and tennis fans across the world to ring in the new year.
What's more, just one more week is the wait for the first Grand Slam of the year โ the Australian Open.
With the Sydney, Auckland and Kooyong events this week, what kind of curveballs can we expect the tour to throw up this week?
