Rinky Hijikata launches his Davis Cup career with an exciting three-set victory in the Doubles rubber next to Jordan Thompson.
Sydney, Australia, September 14, 2025 | Jackson Mansell
Rinky Hijikata could not have asked for a better start to his Davis Cup career.
Braiding against the pressure of their Belgian opponents who may claim a 3-0 sweep in their Davis Cup qualification match 2nd round, the 24-year-old Australian looked at home.
Hijikata and colleague Sydneysider Jordan Thompson breathed new life in the draw, Coming from a set to claim the first rubber of the weekend of Australia.
‘It was great, the tie is still going, [so] The job is not finished yet, “said Hijikata.” I have fully faith in the one who plays the two singles [rubbers]. I stand on the sidelines and as much as I can, and I support the boys. “
Hijikata has played in demonstrable Australia’s largest men’s doubles, the Australian Open Final, which he won in 2023 alongside fellow countryman Jason Kubler.
However, the Davis Cup Doubes Rubber was nothing as he had experienced before.
“Probably today [was louder than the Australian Open 2023 men’s doubles final]To be honest. Our double final only started as midnight, “said the Doubles World No.60.
“This was my first time that I played a match at tour level in Sydney, and I came here to watch matches and dreamed of playing on Kra (Ken Rosewall Arena). For me it was a dream come true.”
Read: Hijikata rewarded with Davis Cup -debut
Australia had his back to the wall in the doubles, confronted with three breaking points on 3-3 in the second set. Hijikata and Thompson, however, remained composed when they started securing the victory.
“The (the momentum) can change very quickly. We are six two in that first set of tiebreaker and we lost that set.” Thompson said.
“Halfway through the second we had a few breakpoints against us and we dug them out and I think we broke the next game.
“We just have to keep our cool and just continue with our company. I think we have returned well enough to give ourselves a chance and we came to the top.”
Now haunted 2-1, Australian Singles No.1 Alex de Minaur can make the draw with the victory over Bergs.
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