Rinky Hijikata: The Rising Star of Australian Tennis Shines at the US Open

Australian Wildcard Rinky Hijikata Impresses at US Open

Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata has made a strong statement at the 2023 US Open, storming into the last 32 after a dominating performance against Marton Fucsovics. The 22-year-old Sydneysider delivered a thunderous display, defeating the higher-ranked Hungarian 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 at Flushing Meadows. This victory marks Hijikata’s first time advancing to the third round of a Grand Slam event, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Australian tennis.

A Breakthrough Season for Hijikata

Hijikata’s remarkable win comes on the heels of a challenging personal situation. Just two days prior to the match, he experienced a tragic shooting at his girlfriend’s American college, the University of North Carolina, where he also spent two years studying. Despite this turmoil, Hijikata showed incredible determination on the court and demonstrated his ability to compartmentalize and perform at the highest level.

This victory also represents a significant financial milestone for the young Australian player. With his advancement to the third round, Hijikata is guaranteed a cheque of $US191,000 ($A298,250), the largest of his career. His previous best Grand Slam performance was at this year’s Australian Open, where he reached the second round and also claimed the doubles title, partnering with compatriot Jason Kubler.

Ranking and Potential Matchup

Hijikata’s latest win has propelled him to a live ranking of No. 92 in the world, just one spot below Kubler, who unfortunately had to withdraw from the tournament due to a leg injury. This rise in ranking reflects Hijikata’s improving form and consistent performances. His strong showing at the US Open sets up a potential last-32 clash with Norwegian fifth seed Casper Ruud. This matchup will undoubtedly test Hijikata’s abilities further, but given his recent triumph, he should feel confident in his chances.

Daria Saville Puts Up a Fight Against Iga Swiatek

While Rinky Hijikata’s success has gained attention, Australian player Daria Saville also showcased her skills at the US Open. Despite her defeat, Saville had a commendable performance against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the second round. Saville, who only resumed playing in June after recovering from a torn ACL, pushed the defending champion out of her comfort zone with relentless retrieving and crafty tactics.

Despite being ranked No. 322 in the world, Saville frustrated Swiatek with her clever drop shots, lobs, and moon balls. She forced the top seed into committing 22 unforced errors and even earned a time violation after an impressive rally to bring up match point. Although Saville ultimately lost the match 6-3, 6-4, she proved that she is capable of competing at a high level.

A Promising Return for Saville

Reflecting on her performance, Saville expressed a mixture of pride and disappointment. She acknowledged that she is still in the process of making a comeback but gained confidence from her ability to challenge the world No. 1 player. Saville’s focus now turns to the remainder of the season, as she plans to participate in several 250-level tournaments in China in hopes of boosting her ranking and returning to her previous form.

Ajla Tomljanovic Withdraws from US Open

The Australian presence in the women’s draw at the US Open was depleted further with Ajla Tomljanovic’s withdrawal. Tomljanovic, a quarter-finalist at the 2022 Australian Open, was set to face fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina in the second round. However, she was unable to recover from her grueling first-round match against Panna Udvardy and made the difficult decision to withdraw.

Tomljanovic’s first match in nine months, following knee surgery in January, was an emotional and hard-fought victory. However, it seems that the physical toll of that match hindered her ability to compete in the subsequent round. While disappointed, Tomljanovic is likely to view this experience as a stepping stone in her recovery and a reminder of the hard work required to regain her competitive edge.

The Future of Australian Tennis

Despite these mixed results, the performances of Rinky Hijikata and Daria Saville serve as a reminder of the talent and potential within Australian tennis. Hijikata’s breakthrough at the US Open and Saville’s strong showing against the world No. 1 player demonstrate that Australian players can compete on the international stage.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these players continue to develop and perform. Both Hijikata and Saville should take confidence from their performances and strive to build upon them in future tournaments. Australian tennis fans will undoubtedly be eagerly watching and supporting their progress.