Hijikata Shocks Melbourne as Aussie Wildcard Takes Down 30th Seed
What unfolded on Show Court Arena was a reminder of why the Australian Open so often delivers the unexpected and why home crowds matter in this sport.
Rinky Hijikata, ranked well outside the top 100 and carrying the weight of local expectations, stepped onto court against 30th seed Valentin Vacherot and refused to play the role of underdog. Instead, he played with freedom, grit and belief and by the end of the match, Melbourne Park was buzzing after a statement second-round victory.
Hijikata’s win was not about one lucky moment or a brief lapse from his opponent. It was built on sustained pressure and a clear plan. He disrupted rhythm. He mixed up the pace. He came forward when needed, chipped and charged and forced Vacherot to hit uncomfortable shots again and again. In a tournament where power often dominates, Hijikata leaned into variety and fight and it worked.
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This result matters because of who Vacherot is and how quickly he has risen. The Monaco native has surged into the top 30 after a breakout run late last season, including a major title that turned heads across the tennis world. But this was his first main-draw appearance at the Australian Open and that lack of Melbourne experience showed at key moments, especially under the noise and energy of a partisan crowd.
For Hijikata, this was a reward for persistence. He has spent years grinding on tour, often flying under the radar. This summer alone, he pushed deep runs in Brisbane and Adelaide, even playing through illness at one point. Now fully fit, confident and playing at home, he looked like a player who knows exactly who he is on court.
The broader impact is significant. For Australian tennis, this is another reminder that depth still exists beyond the headline names. For the tournament, it reinforces how dangerous early rounds can be for seeded players. And for Hijikata himself, this win could be a turning point, not just in rankings, but in belief, visibility and opportunity.
As the Australian Open moves deeper into its opening week, results like this reshape draws and shift momentum. The question now is not how big this upset was, but how far Rinky Hijikata can carry this form in front of his home crowd.
Stay with us as the story continues to unfold here at Melbourne Park and keep watching for every major development from the Australian Open.
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