For Willoughby’s Rinky Hijikata, his Olympic journey begins just days after he closed Andy Murray’s Wimbledon chapter. The 23-year-old who once competed in Paris as a junior at the Future Tennis Aces tournament returns to the French capital as a Grand Slam champion and Wimbledon giant-slayer.
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Wimbledon triumph and Murray farewell
On July 5th, in a match that will be remembered as much for its emotional significance as its result, Hijikata and partner John Peers defeated the Murray brothers 7-6(6), 6-4 on Wimbledon’s hallowed Centre Court. The occasion marked one of Andy Murray’s final appearances at the tournament where he became a national hero.
“It was a pretty surreal moment,” said world No.77 Hijikata. “He was someone that I loved watching growing up and is one of my tennis idols.”
The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on Hijikata. “I think that’s the most prestigious court in tennis and the one you dream of playing on when you’re a kid.”
Rinky Hijikata, from fan to competitor
Hijikata’s journey from Murray admirer to competitor is a testament to his rapid ascent in the tennis world. His partner, John Peers, summed up the bittersweet nature of their victory. “To be able to step out and share it with Andy was something really special. It was Andy’s night, but unfortunately, we upset it for him.”
Fellow Australian and women’s doubles world No.6 Storm Hunter highlighted the enormity of the occasion. “What an amazing opportunity for Peersy and Rinky to go out and play their first-round doubles on Centre Court at Wimbledon.”
Towards the Olympics
Following their emotional victory over the Murray brothers, Hijikata and Peers faced a formidable challenge in the round of 32 against three-time Grand Slam champion Neal Skupski of Britain and New Zealand’s Michael Venus, who has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No.6.
Despite their strong start in the tournament, Hijikata and Peers were unable to advance further, falling to the more experienced pair.
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With his Wimbledon campaign now concluded, Hijikata will now turn his attention towards Paris. The experience gained on Centre Court against both sentimental favourites and top-ranked opponents will prove invaluable for the young star as he prepares for his Olympic debut.
Published 09-July-2024