Australian Rinky Hijikata only turned professional in 2021 but is starting to make a name for himself on tour.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> in October last year in Playford<\/a>. The 22-year-old followed that up by starting the 2023 season with a Challenger tour title, again in Australia, this time in Burnie.<\/p>\n Already a Grand Slam winner at his young age. Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler claimed the doubles at their home event<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> as a lucky loser. The opposition much tougher on a main tour ATP 250 event, but the 22-year-old is holding his own.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nNot too shabby on grass<\/h2>\n
Wimbledon chances?<\/h2>\n