University of North Carolina Athletics

Rinky Hijikata
Photo by: Pete Staples/USTA
Hijikata's US Open Run Ends In Round Of 16
September 3, 2023 | Men's Tennis
 Rinky Hijikata's career-best run as a wild-card entry at the US Open came to an end on Sunday in the fourth round at Louis Armstrong Stadium near New York City.
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American Frances Tiafoe, the 10th seed and 10th-ranked player in the world, beat the 22-year old Hijikata in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Tiafoe advances to the quarterfinals to face fellow American Ben Shelton.
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Despite the loss, by reaching the Round of 16, Hijikata posted the best singles performance in a Grand Slam event of his career and beat three higher-ranked opponents.
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At 22 years, six months, he is the youngest Australian player in a Grand Slam fourth round since Alex de Minaur (20 yrs. 6 months) advanced to the 2019 US Open round of 16.
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Currently ranked #110 in the world, Hijikata could make his debut in the top 100 soon.
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American Frances Tiafoe, the 10th seed and 10th-ranked player in the world, beat the 22-year old Hijikata in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Tiafoe advances to the quarterfinals to face fellow American Ben Shelton.
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Despite the loss, by reaching the Round of 16, Hijikata posted the best singles performance in a Grand Slam event of his career and beat three higher-ranked opponents.
Â
At 22 years, six months, he is the youngest Australian player in a Grand Slam fourth round since Alex de Minaur (20 yrs. 6 months) advanced to the 2019 US Open round of 16.
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Currently ranked #110 in the world, Hijikata could make his debut in the top 100 soon.
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