Rinky Hijikata’s career-best run as a wild-card entry at the US Open came to an end on Sunday in the fourth round at Louis Armstrong Stadium near New York City.
American Frances Tiafoe, the 10th seed and 10th-ranked player in the world, beat the 22-year old Hijikata in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Tiafoe advances to the quarterfinals to face fellow American Ben Shelton.
Despite the loss, by reaching the Round of 16, Hijikata posted the best singles performance in a Grand Slam event of his career and beat three higher-ranked opponents.
At 22 years, six months, he is the youngest Australian player in a Grand Slam fourth round since Alex de Minaur (20 yrs. 6 months) advanced to the 2019 US Open round of 16.
Currently ranked #110 in the world, Hijikata could make his debut in the top 100 soon.
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