Rinky Hijikata’s sensational and deepest run at the ongoing hard court major event has recently garnered a lot of attention. In order to secure a place in the round 16 of the US Open, the Australian tennis star has outperformed top players like Zhang Zhizhen and Márton Fucsovics. However, the 22-year-old now has a big hurdle to cross as he will face the 10th-seeded American star, Frances Tiafoe.

Prior to his exciting encounter with ‘Bigfoe,’ Hijikata is already aware that he will be competing in front of a boisterous American crowd that will be rooting for his opponent. Emphasizing the same, the ATP player was recently forced to reminisce about a similar ‘hostile’ college tennis experience.

Rinky Hijikata on his bitter experiences ahead of his matchup with Frances Tiafoe

In a recent interview with APNews, the Aussie was singing the praise of his upcoming American opponent at the US Open. While hailing Frances Tiafoe’s remarkable prowess on the court, the 22-year-old asserted that a lot of American fans are excited about the 10th seed’s campaign at their home Grand Slam event.

Considering the same, the Aussie claimed that there would be a “rowdy atmosphere” among the spectators, mainly supporting his American opponent. While emphasizing on the crowd behavior, Hijikata also opened up about how he had already experienced a boisterous crowd during his college tennis days in South Carolina.

He said, “Pretty hostile there, a lot of chirping, a lot of bickering behind the court, and we managed to get away with a win there and it was one of my favorite memories playing college tennis.”

Prior to his round of 16 match, Hijikata has made it clear that he is all geared up for the challenging task of making Tiafoe “uncomfortable,” in front of his home crowd.

Apart from issuing a warning to his opponent, the Aussie also had some bold assertions about the ‘Bigfoe’.

Hijikata hails Tiafoe as the face of American tennis

During the honest conversation, the 22-year-old also spoke candidly about Tiafoe’s “great serves” that are part of his stellar skillset. While lauding his on-court talents, Hijikata also asserted that he is one of the few players in the men’s circuit who has now become the face of American tennis.

The Aussie’s assertions about his opponent were quite justified as he is one of just two Americans in the top 10 rankings. Apart from ‘Bigfoe,’ his compatriot, Taylor Fritz is currently sitting at the 9th spot of the ATP rankings.

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Do you think the young Aussie tennis player will prevail in his US Open matchup against Tiafoe? Let us know in the comments section.

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