Hijikata Stuns Vacherot with Upset in Australian Open Second Round
In an exciting matchup at the Australian Open, Rinky Hijikata, currently ranked 114th, is set to face 30th seed Valentin Vacherot. This encounter takes place on Show Court Arena, where Hijikata has the opportunity to cause a significant upset.
Hijikata’s Underdog Status
Despite being the lower-ranked player, John Millman believes Hijikata has a great chance to win. He attributes this optimism to Vacherot’s relatively recent emergence in professional tennis. This marks Vacherot’s first appearance in the main draw at the Australian Open, even though he is already 27 years old.
Vacherot’s Rapid Ascent
Vacherot’s rise in the rankings has been notable. He broke onto the scene last year, qualifying as an alternate. His major success includes winning the Shanghai Masters, where he notably defeated elite players like Novak Djokovic. This impressive performance has propelled him to a top 30 ranking.
Hijikata’s Home Advantage
In contrast, Hijikata brings substantial experience to this tournament. His recent performance in the Australian summer has been commendable, reaching the Round of 16 at both the Brisbane International and Adelaide International events.
Recent Performance and Health
Millman highlighted Hijikata’s resilience during his summer matches, noting he played through flu-like symptoms in Brisbane. Now healthy and fit, Hijikata has shown great confidence and skill on the court. His unique playing style, characterized by aggressive net play and variety, sets him apart from traditional players.
- Rinky Hijikata: Ranked 114th, experienced at home slam.
- Valentin Vacherot: 30th seed, first main draw appearance, age 27.
- Millman’s Confidence: Believes Hijikata can upset Vacherot.
- Injury Resilience: Hijikata played through illness recently.
- Playing Style: A mix of aggression and variety.
With the tournament heating up, both players are eager to prove their mettle. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest at the Australian Open as Hijikata seeks to capitalize on his home advantage and assert his presence on the global stage.
