The Davis Cup debut of Rinky Hijikata is one of the three changes made for the 2nd round qualifying match of Australia against Belgium.
Sydney, Australia, September 11, 2025 | Jackson Mansell
Wimbledon 2025 Dubbel’s finalist Rinky Hijikata will make his Davis Cup debut this weekend when the Culture AMP Australia Davis Cup team will compete against Belgium in their 2nd round qualifying match.
Captain Lleyton Hewitt announced on Thursday afternoon that the 24-year-old, who last year as high as World No.62, would be the 117th player who represents Australia in the competition.
“I am really excited for Rinky, it will be his first time he wears green and gold and for him to get a chance at a place where he also grew up playing in Sydney is something very special,” Hewitt said. “That is one of the best things in my work, is these guys who give a chance.
“He has previously won a Grand Slam, but he also did well with Wimbledon to continue to another final of a double slam.”
It is one of the three changes in the team that was submitted to the nomination deadline last month, where Alexei Pofyrin and Matt Ebden both started to miss because of an elbow tear and back injury, respectively.
Aleksandar Vukic and John Peers return to the team, hoping to build on their success against Sweden in their first round qualification in February.
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“It depends on the boys we miss, so they had to cover them. It’s a bit like the next man,” said Hewitt. “In terms of Vuk (Vukic), he did a job for us earlier this year in Sweden. I think the conditions here really meet his game.
“Peersy always came to the team as the fifth player as a different double option, and then Rinky came to the team when Matty Ebden got injured.
“He is a bit of the versatile player that we can use for Doubles, but also a back -up singles if necessary.”
Read more: Hewitt Savors Davis Cup Homecoming
The trio joins Alex de Minauraur and Jordan Thompson in the team while watching the knock -out phase for the fourth consecutive year.
You can watch the 2nd qualifying match of Davis Cup 2025 between Australia and Belgium on 13-14 September on the Nine network And Bein Sport.
Find your way to play: Visit play.tennis.com.au To hit the field and to have some fun!
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