Rinky Hijikata was one of the most outstanding Aussie performers this week, recording a milestone first top-50 singles win.
Australia, 8 October 2023 | Leigh Rogers
There is much to celebrate in Australian tennis right now.
Eleven Aussie men contested the singles main draw at the Shanghai Masters this week, setting a new record for highest representation of Australians at an ATP Masters 1000 event.
Among that cohort were rising stars Rinky Hijikata, Dane Sweeny and Philip Sekulic, who all achieved impressive career-firsts.
“I think we’ve got a good generation coming at the moment,” said Thanasi Kokkinakis, who advanced to the second round at the tournament.
“It’s great for Aussie tennis.”
Several more Australian players also claimed ITF titles this week, both at the professional and junior levels.
This week’s most outstanding performers include:
Ellen Perez: The 27-year-old advanced to the doubles quarterfinals at a WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing (China) alongside American Nicole Melichar-Martinez. It was Perez’s 14th tour-level quarterfinal appearance of the season.
Rinky Hijikata: The 22-year-old recorded his first top-50 singles win, beating Serbian Laslo Djere, in the opening round at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Beijing (China).
Dane Sweeny: The 22-year-old achieved several career milestones in Shanghai this week, including qualifying at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the first time, then scoring a first top-100 victory and maiden main-draw win at this level.
Philip Sekulic: The 20-year-old also had a breakout week in Shanghai. He qualified for an ATP tournament for the second time in his career and for the first time at ATP Masters 1000 level.
Alex de Minaur and Max Purcell: Teaming up for the first time in almost seven years, the Aussie pair stunned the world’s No.1 team, Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, in the doubles opening round at the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai.
John Peers: The 35-year-old was a doubles finalist at an ATP 250 tournament in Astana (Kazakhstan) with Croatian Mate Pavic. It was Peers’ second tour-level final of the season.
John-Patrick Smith: The 34-year-old was a doubles finalist at an ATP Challenger in Alicante (Spain) alongside India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan. This was Smith’s fifth finals appearance this season.
Adam Walton: The 24-year-old was a singles finalist at an ATP Challenger in Tiburon (USA). This was Walton’s fifth final of the season and his…
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