Rinky Hijikata is a 23-year-old Australian professional tennis player who was born in Sydney to Japanese immigrant parents.
He began playing tennis at age three and turned pro in 2021. Coached by Jarrad Bunt, Hijikata plays right-handed and trains at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
Hijikata’s career highlights include winning the 2023 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Jason Kubler and reaching the fourth round in singles at the US Open 2023 as a wildcard.
He achieved his highest singles ranking of No. 62 in August 2024 and his highest doubles ranking of No. 23 in October 2023.
Siblings
Rinky has two siblings, Shori and Kamiyu Hijikata, who share a strong bond and a passion for athletics.
Both siblings are competitive swimmers, contributing to a family environment that emphasizes sports and mutual support.
This athletic spirit within the Hijikata household fosters camaraderie and encourages each sibling to pursue their respective sports, creating a dynamic where they inspire one another.
Career
Hijikata is an Australian professional tennis player who embarked on his professional journey in 2021.
A notable early achievement was securing a silver medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in the boys’ doubles event, partnering with Adrian Andreev of Bulgaria.
By September 2019, he had claimed his first professional singles title at the M15 Fayetteville in Arkansas, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
Also Read: Denis Shapovalov Siblings: Get to Know Evgeniy Shapovalov
The year 2023 proved to be pivotal for Hijikata.
He received a wildcard entry into the Australian Open, where he not only secured his first Grand Slam win but also, in partnership with Jason Kubler, triumphed in the men’s doubles event, overcoming numerous seeded teams along the way.
His success extended to the Delray Beach Open, where he reached the semifinals in doubles with Reese Stalder, further solidifying his presence on the professional circuit.
Continuing his ascent in 2024, Hijikata reached the quarterfinal stage at both the Brisbane International and the Dallas Open.
He achieved a milestone by recording his first clay court victory at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. He made his debut at the ATP 500 level at the Queen’s Club Championships.
By August 2024, he had climbed into the top 65 in the rankings, reaching No. 62 just two weeks later, following a quarterfinal appearance at the Winston-Salem Open, marking his fourth ATP quarterfinal of the season.
Accolades
Hijikata has achieved several notable accolades throughout his tennis career.
One of his early highlights was winning a silver medal in the boys’ doubles event at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, where he partnered with Adrian Andreev.
This accomplishment showcased his potential on the international stage and set the tone for his future endeavors.
In 2018, he was honored with the Newcombe Medal as the Junior Male Athlete of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performances and contributions to Australian tennis during that period.
As he progressed in his career, Hijikata claimed his first ATP Challenger title at Playford in October 2022, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
His most prominent achievement to date came in 2023 when he won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open alongside Jason Kubler.
Entering the tournament as wildcards, their victory not only highlighted Hijikata’s talent but also established him as a formidable competitor in doubles at the Grand Slam level.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
