On January 18, the fourth-ranked player in the world, Stefanos Tsitsipas, will face 169th-ranked Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open.
In order to defeat Quentin Halys in the first round, Tsitsipas occasionally had to put in extra effort. In the end, Tsitsipas defeated Halys, who is ranked 61st in the world, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (6) to guarantee his place in the second round. Tsitsipas has already won four United Cup singles matches prior to this, making it his fifth straight victory of the year. He had already defeated more difficult foes this season, including Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, Borna Coric, and Matteo Berrettini, thus it was anticipated that he would easily defeat Halys. And before he was forced to launch a fightback, that is how it appeared throughout the first two sets as well.
The 169th-ranked player appeared to be losing to Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets in his opening match here. However, the Australian came back from being two sets down to beat his German opponent and advance to the second round. The competitors shared six service breaks during the almost four and a half hour match, which he won 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), and 6-3. The Australian then broke his opponent in the sixth game of the final set before edging past him off his third match-point. It was the fourth set tie-breaker that made the difference for the Aussie.
Tsitsipas vs Hijikata Match Details
Tournament: Australian Open
Date:Â January 18
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface:Â Hard
Round: First round
Category: Men’s Singles
Prize Money: A$76,500,000
Tsitsipas vs Hijikata Head-to-Head Record
This will be their first encounter.
Also read:Â Hubert Hurkacz Vs Lorenzo Sonego Prediction, Head-To-Head, Preview And Live Stream- Australian Open 2024
Tsitsipas vs Hijikata Prediction
The fight Hijikata showed in his opening match will go a long way in helping him stay in the battle against Tsitsipas, who will be a whole different kettle of fish for him. Although Tsitsipas is the favourite to win, he may face a challenge from Hijikata in at least one of the sets. Tsitsipas’ chance of winning in a lone set is slim.
Prediction: Tsitsipas to win in 4
Tsitsipas Last three performances
- Australian Open: First round- b. Halys 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(6)
- ATP World Tour Finals: Group stage- l. Rublev 6-3, 3-6, 2-6
- ATP World Tour Finals: Group stage- b. Medvedev 6-3, 6-7(11), 7-6(1)
Hijikata Last three performances
- Australian Open: First round- b. Hanfmann 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3
- Adelaide International 2: Qualifiers- l. O’Connell 6-3, 1-6, 2-6
- Adelaide International 2: First round- l. Shapovalov 6-2, 4-6, 3-6
Broadcast and Live Stream Details
- US – Tennis Channel
- UK – Tennis TV (live streaming)
- Australia – beIN Sports
- Canada – TSN
- India – Discovery/ Tennis TV
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