Storm Hunter and Rinky Hijikata have boosted Australia’s US Open contingent to 12 gamers after being awarded wildcards into the season’s remaining grand slam in New York.
Hijikata joins Alex de Minaur, Aleksandar Vukic, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, Chris O’Connell, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jason Kubler within the males’s predominant draw.
The Sydneysider might be making his second look at Flushing Meadows after having fun with a memorable debut final 12 months when he confronted off with Rafael Nadal below brilliant lights on centre court docket within the first spherical.
Hijikata took the opening set in a profession spotlight.
“It’s probably been my favourite match of my career so far,” he mentioned.
“The atmosphere on Arthur Ashe Stadium was incredible. I’m really looking forward to just going back, soaking up the atmosphere again.
“It’s an amazing match to be part of.”
In another breakout season, the 22-year-old has advanced to his first ATP 250 semi-final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, notched a second-round appearance at the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells and claim his second ATP Challenger title in Burnie.
Hijikata also became a grand slam doubles champion alongside Jason Kubler at the Australian Open in January.
“It’s been a 12 months of firsts for me,” he mentioned.
“I nonetheless need to preserve going up and hopefully that is just the start and there’s a lot extra to return.”
Hunter joins Daria Saville and 2022 quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic in the women’s singles after also excelling this year.
The world No.165 qualified for both the French Open and Wimbledon, reaching the second round in Paris, and will feature in the main draw at all four grand slams in a calendar year for the first time.
The 29-year-old has won 21 of her 32 singles matches so far this season and scored her third career top-30 victory against world No.22 Donna Vekic in Hamburg last month.
Hunter is the top-ranked Australian in doubles and made the Wimbledon doubles final with Belgian Elise Mertens.
“I’ve had some superb recollections on the court docket up to now this 12 months,” Hunter mentioned.
“To obtain the US Open wildcard is only a actually cool alternative.”
Another 10 Australians will compete in US Open qualifying, with the main-draw motion beginning on August 28.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
