Spotlight: Rinky Hijikata
4/21/2020
In the wake of the cancellation of the 2019-20 men's tennis season due to the coronavirus, GoHeels.com is highlighting the seasons of members of one of the best men's tennis teams in school history. Next up is freshman Rinky Hijikata, an Australian native who stepped right into the Tar Heel lineup and was on pace to have one of the most impressive freshman seasons in school history.
The Hijikata Ledger
• Won a qualifying match at the 2020 Australian Open, beating a player ranked No. 100 in the world.
• The top-ranked player in Australia in his age bracket before arriving at Carolina.
• Undefeated in both singles (4-0) and doubles (6-0 with partner Benjamin Sigouin) as a Tar Heel after joining the team in January 2020.
Rinky is one of the best freshman players we've ever had at Carolina. He has an incredible work ethic and sets a standard for himself that's so professional at such a young age. The sky is the limit for him.UNC Head Coach Sam Paul
Gallery: Rinky Hijikata Photos
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Rinky is a wonderful teammate who cares deeply about our team and is so fiercely competitive. His desire and will to win are phenomenal.UNC Head Coach Sam Paul