Rinky Hijikata received’t be intimidated because the Australian wildcard squares off with fan favorite Frances Tiafoe for an sudden place within the US Open quarter-finals.
Hijikata has already loved a dream run by way of the draw, ousting three higher-ranked rivals en path to the final 16 at a grand slam for the primary time.
Now three Americans stand in his path towards a possible blockbuster semi-final with 23-times main winner Novak Djokovic on tennis’s greatest stage.
First up is Tenth-seeded Tiafoe on Monday (AEST) on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The son of Sierra Leone immigrants, Tiafoe captured the hearts of a nation final yr when, dwelling as much as the potential of being the youngest US man since 2002 Open champion Andy Roddick to win an ATP title, he charged all the best way to the semi-finals in New York.
The 25-year-old has kicked on in 2023, grabbing three extra trophies and a career-high rating contained in the world’s high 10.
“Obviously a quality player, he’s had a phenomenal year, last few years actually,” Hijikata mentioned.
“He’s got a complete game. I don’t feel there are many holes in his game.
“He’s a great athlete, has a great serve, he’s one of the few guys that are the face of American tennis at the moment. I’m sure they’ll be getting behind him but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I know I am going to have to play well to make him uncomfortable but I’ll see what I can do.
“A lot of these guys have really not seen a lot of me. I haven’t played a whole lot on the main tour. I guess that is a little bit of an advantage.”
Tiafoe admits as a lot, saying he is aware of little about Hijikata’s recreation, which has confirmed large enough to take the opening set off the good Rafael Nadal in his grand slam debut beneath the intense lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium final yr.
“I’m excited to play him,” Tiafoe mentioned.
“He’s going to be pumped up. I’m pretty sure it’s his first fourth round. But, yeah, we’ll see how he does with the crowd and all that.”
Hijikata plans on feeding off the group’s electrical energy relatively than retreating into his shell.
Another upset win would propel the 22-year-old right into a quarter-final alternative in opposition to 14th seed Tommy Paul or fellow American Ben Shelton.
And Hijikata is more than pleased to play the celebration pooper function in opposition to the more-fancied Americans.
“I love playing in front of people. I don’t really care if they are for me or against me,” mentioned the previous University of North Carolina star.
“I’ve played plenty of away college matches in my time and in some pretty hostile environments so either way I feel like I thrive on the energy.
“They won’t be for me, that’s for sure, but I’ll still try to enjoy it as much as I can. It is great playing in front of crowds like this and I am sure there will be lots of energy.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
