Australian Rinky Hijikata only turned professional in 2021 but is starting to make a name for himself on tour.
Who is Rinky Hijikata?
Hijikata has got better as the seasons have gone on, getting used to the tour and grinding out wins. After stepping up to the Challenger tour in 2022, the Australian claimed his first Challenger title in October last year in Playford. The 22-year-old followed that up by starting the 2023 season with a Challenger tour title, again in Australia, this time in Burnie.
Already a Grand Slam winner at his young age. Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler claimed the doubles at their home event at the start of the 2023 season. This was followed with a final at Delray Beach in February. However, things have progressed, and it’s clear at the moment that the Australian struggles with clay. Having lost in qualifying in Roland Garros and in the first round of the doubles, Hijikata has turned his attention to the grass.
Not too shabby on grass
Hijikata kicked off his grass court season by entering the Challenger event in Surbiton. The Australian got to the quarter-final, where he met compatriot Jordan Thompson. Hijikata stayed close in the first set and forced a tiebreak, but Thompson took the match in straight sets.
After Surbiton, Hijikata moved over to The Netherlands and the Libema Open. The Australian had to go through qualifying again, and lost in the final round. However, as a high seed, luck was on his side. Hijikata got into the main draw at ‘s-Hertogenbosch as a lucky loser. The opposition much tougher on a main tour ATP 250 event, but the 22-year-old is holding his own.
Wimbledon chances?
Battling to three set wins in each of the first few rounds, Hijikata has now set up a semifinal rematch with Thompson. The 22-year-old will be eager to avenge the loss last week to the same player, although the reward is not quite the same caliber. No Murray, as the Brit has stayed in the country and is playing the Nottingham Challenger, where he (at time of writing) has made the semi-final.
Should Hijikata get by Thompson, a final of an ATP 250 event awaits, with either Tallon Griekspoor or Emil Ruusuvouri awaits. Hijikata has definitely found his grass court feet these last couple of weeks. As a result, he is giving himself a really great build up to Wimbledon. Although unlikely to win the event (not many non seeded players have), there is an excellent opportunity to progress at least a few rounds in depending on the draw. (I mean, no one wants Djokovic in the first round, right?)
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
