University of North Carolina Athletics
Rinky Hijikata
Photo by: Tennis Australia
Hijikata Wins US Open First Round Match
August 29, 2023 | Men's Tennis
Former University of North Carolina All-America Rinky Hijikata won his first-round match on Monday at the 2023 US Open the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Hijikata, a Tar Heel All-America as a sophomore in 2021 before turning professional, was a wildcard entry into the main draw and has a career-best ranking of #110 in the world. In a draining match that lasted nearly four hours, he beat Russian Pavel Kotov in four sets, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
The victory was Hijikata's first Grand Slam singles win outside of his native Australia. Earlier this year in January, he reached the second round in singles at the Australian Open and teamed with countryman Jason Kluber to win the 2023 Australian Open doubles title. It was the seventh top-100 singles win of Hijikata's career and his first in a Grand Slam match.
Hijikata, a Tar Heel All-America as a sophomore in 2021 before turning professional, was a wildcard entry into the main draw and has a career-best ranking of #110 in the world. In a draining match that lasted nearly four hours, he beat Russian Pavel Kotov in four sets, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
The victory was Hijikata's first Grand Slam singles win outside of his native Australia. Earlier this year in January, he reached the second round in singles at the Australian Open and teamed with countryman Jason Kluber to win the 2023 Australian Open doubles title. It was the seventh top-100 singles win of Hijikata's career and his first in a Grand Slam match.
Hijikata advances and will meet Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Wednesday at a time to be announced (bracket).
Full coverage of the US Open is available on ESPN and ESPN+ each day beginning at 11 a.m. Watch here.
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