Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata pulls off an impressive triumph at the US Open, advancing to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. In a hard-fought battle against Chinese player Zhizhen Zhang, Hijikata emerges victorious with a 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 scoreline. This unexpected achievement not only propels him into the last 16 of the tournament but also marks a breakthrough moment in his career.
Reflecting on his success, Hijikata expresses his surprise, acknowledging the effort he has put into his game. He has always aspired for such results and believed in his ability to perform well in major tournaments. However, he finds it particularly exciting that this feat has occurred early on in his career at grand slams.
Awaiting Hijikata in the fourth round is Frances Tiafoe, the 10th seed from the United States. The upcoming match promises to be a challenging encounter. Nonetheless, Hijikata relishes the opportunity, fueled by his new career-high ranking within the top 80 players in the world and the substantial prize money of $US284,000 ($A440,000) secured by his fourth-round qualification.
This year has been a breakthrough season for Hijikata, highlighted by his triumphant victory in doubles alongside Jason Kubler at the Australian Open. Hijikata’s journey to the second week of the US Open is an impressive testament to his growth since his memorable clash with Rafael Nadal last year. He considers that experience to be pivotal in his development as a player, continually learning and striving to improve.
Hijikata’s remarkable run also reveals the wisdom of Tennis Australia’s decision to grant him a wildcard entry into the main draw. The Sydney-born player, born to Japanese immigrant parents, has embraced the opportunity and proven his worth on the international stage.
Following his first-round win, Hijikata was confronted with the tragic shooting incident at his girlfriend’s college, the University of North Carolina. This deeply affected him, prompting him to dedicate subsequent victories to his former schoolmates. It’s evident that Hijikata draws inspiration from personal experiences and channels that emotion into his game.
In his recent match against Zhang, Hijikata displayed exceptional shot-making skills, overwhelming his opponent. Despite Zheng’s fatigue from previous marathon matches, including a stunning upset against Casper Ruud, he put up a valiant fight, saving multiple break points. However, Hijikata’s relentless power proved insurmountable, securing a two-set lead with three service breaks.
Zheng’s resilience was admirable as he pushed through physical discomfort and claimed the third set after an intense, nearly 10-minute service game. Nevertheless, Hijikata responded by raising his level of play, breaking Zheng’s serve twice in the fourth set. Finally, after three hours and 10 minutes of thrilling tennis, Hijikata sealed the win with an ace on his first match point.
In conclusion, Rinky Hijikata’s magnificent performance at the US Open has captivated and surprised audiences. His journey serves as a testament to his growth as a player, the support of Tennis Australia, and his ability to triumph over adversity. As he moves forward in the tournament, Hijikata looks poised to continue making waves in the tennis world.
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