Rinky Hijikata fought back from the brink of defeat to keep his singles campaign alive at an ATP 250 tournament in America.
Winston-Salem, USA, 22 August 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Winston-Salem, USA
Rinky Hijikata has staged an incredible comeback to advance to the singles quarterfinals at an ATP 250 tournament in Winston-Salem.
The 23-year-old Australian needed two hours and 37 minutes to overcome Croatian Borna Coric, saving two match points before eventually triumphing 3-6 6-3 7-5.
“Any time you come up against Borna, it’s going to be a very physical match,” Hijikata said after reeling off the final four games to record a steely victory against the former world No.12.
“He’s a class player and doesn’t give you a lot out there. Maybe I got a little bit lucky out there today, but I’m happy to get through and to be able to play again tomorrow.”
The 16th-seeded Hijikata was buoyed by the crowd support, thanks to his close ties with the region as a University of North Carolina alumni.
“I definitely felt at home,” he told the North Carolina crowd in his on-court interview.
Hijikata, who currently sits at a career-high ranking of world No.65, now turns his attention to a quarterfinal showdown with Belgian David Goffin.
In men’s doubles action, John Peers reunited with Brit Jamie Murray for the first time since 2019 to score a 6-4 6-4 first-round victory against fifth seeds Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Czech Adam Pavlasek.
This is 36-year-old Peers’ ninth consecutive win, with three different partners. His impressive streak began with his gold medal-winning run at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Aussies in action – Winston-Salem
RESULTS
Men’s singles, third round
[16] Rinky Hijikata (AUS) d Borna Coric (CRO) 3-6 6-3 7-5
Men’s doubles, first round
John Peers (AUS)/Jamie Murray (GBR) d [5] Ivan Dodig (CRO)/Adam Pavlasek (CZE) 6-4 6-4
COMING UP
Men’s singles, third round
Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) v Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
Men’s singles, quarterfinals
[16] Rinky Hijikata (AUS) v David Goffin (BEL)
Men’s doubles, quarterfinals
John Peers (AUS)/Jamie Murray (GBR) v [WC] Nicolas Barrientos (COL)/Skander Mansouri (TUN)
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