Australian tennis player Rinky Hijikata has concluded his participation in the Brisbane International, losing in three sets to France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Hijikata will now focus on the upcoming Australian Open.
The second-round match saw Mpetshi Perricard secure a 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4) victory. Hijikata did not lose a service game during the match, with Mpetshi Perricard winning crucial tiebreak points in the second and third sets. Mpetshi Perricard's serve was a decisive factor, as noted by Hijikata, who stated he had few opportunities to target second serves.
With Hijikata's elimination, no Australian players remain in the men's or women's quarter-final phases of the Brisbane International.
Australian Open and Singles Ambitions
Hijikata, currently ranked world No. 111, entered the Brisbane International through qualifiers. He holds a wildcard entry for the Australian Open, where he aims to surpass his 2023 performance of reaching the second round.
The 24-year-old has expressed his commitment to improving his world singles ranking, aiming to exceed his career-best position of No. 62, achieved in August 2024 after reaching his fourth ATP quarter-final of the season at the Winston-Salem Open. He stated his belief in having significant room for improvement in his game, indicating he is not yet playing his best tennis. He affirmed that his primary focus is on his singles career.
Doubles Record and Future Plans
Hijikata's career includes a 2023 Australian Open doubles title alongside fellow Australian Jason Kubler. He also reached the Wimbledon final in 2023, partnering with Dutch doubles specialist David Pel. This year, he intends to compete for a second Grand Slam title with Australian Tristan Schoolkate.
Regarding his upcoming appearance at the Australian Open, Hijikata remarked on the importance of playing at home, stating he values the opportunity during the few weeks of the year it is available.