Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata has lined up a crack at world No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas within the Australian Open second spherical after pulling off a stirring five-set comeback victory in his main-draw debut.
Hijikata appeared set for a fast exit when he misplaced his first two units in opposition to German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann however fought again to prevail 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in entrance of a parochial crowd.
“I’m lost for words. That was mental,” Hijikata mentioned after the four-hour, 25-minute escape.
“I don’t really know what to say at the moment.
“I could not have accomplished it with out the help in the present day. I’m so grateful for everybody popping out. That is probably the most enjoyable match I’ve ever performed in my life.”
Tsitsipas started his own Open in style, downing Frenchmen Quentin Halys in straight sets but Hijikata is unlikely to be unnerved by the big occasion on Wednesday.
The excitement machine lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium in taking the first set against Rafael Nadal in the first round of the 2022 US Open.
Hijikata relished the vocal crowd on Court 8, consistently revving them up as he manufactured a comeback, then took control.
The 21-year-old spurned his first two match points on serve but sealed his third.
Hijikata fell to the ground then punched the air and celebrated with the crowd.
Tsitsipas posted a convincing 6-3 6-4 7-6 (8-6) victory over Halys as the 24-year-old searches for his first major title.
The Greek third seed has been stopped three times in the semi-finals at the Open while his best grand slam result is reaching the final at Roland Garros in 2021.
With world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz missing, nine-time champion Novak Djokovic battling hamstring trouble, top seed Rafael Nadal playing below par and hometown heavyweight Nick Kyrgios pulling out with a knee injury, it could be the year for Tsitsipas to break through at Melbourne Park.
“I used to be pleased, I got here up with some good tennis,” Tsitsipas mentioned on court docket.
“I wasn’t going to surrender and confirmed my preventing spirit .
“I really like being back here playing tennis, it feels like home and I have great support.”
Tsitsipas misplaced focus quickly within the third, twice dropping his serve, however managed to degree to ship the set to a tense showdown.
Up 6-5, world No.61 Halys had 4 set factors after Tsitsipas trailed 0-40 on serve however he could not shut it out with the pair heading to a tiebreak.
Halys went forward 3-0 after which 4-1 earlier than the Greek stormed again to take victory together with his second match level.
Tsitisipas stays unbeaten this summer season after 4 spectacular wins on the United Cup.
