Hijikata joins Thompson and Duckworth in Brisbane International quarterfinals | 4 January, 2024 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

For the first time since 2015, three Australian males have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International, with Rinky Hijikata the latest to progress in a three-set epic.

Hijikata’s 5-7 6-2 7-6(4) win over Tomas Machac sees the 22-year-old reach his second career ATP quarterfinal.

Hijikata served for the opening set, but surrendered his chance with a double fault at 15-40. Machac pounced on this opportunity by holding to love, before breaking the Aussie once again to claim the first set.

The Czech looked to push further ahead during Hijikata’s first service game, but the Sydneysider would save four break points, charging to a second-set triumph.

Set three was more evenly poised, with break points cancelling each other out early.

Machac pushed Hijikata’s service games to the limit, however the Aussie was able to remain composed and hold on. It was during those periods where Hijikata felt he needed to remain regimented.

“There were a few too many times there (when) I thought I was giving away a few too many freebies,” he said.

“I just tried to go through my process, land my serve and play the point that I want.”

A quick hold from the Australian Open 2023 doubles champion in the 12th game saw the deciding set go to a tiebreak. Unforced errors from the Czech helped Hijikata cruise to victory.

“It was a very difficult match today. I felt like Tomas played some really good tennis in patches. I felt like I played some really good tennis in patches. Definitely a bit of a roller coaster,” he said.

“I felt like I executed well when I had to, managed to keep my head well, really try to play my game in the big moments. I felt like that was probably the difference in the end.”