Rinky Hijikata vs Frances Tiafoe Preview & Prediction | 2026 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship | Round of 16
by Alex Meechan ·
Updated
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Rinky Hijikata faces Frances Tiafoe in the round-of-16 stage of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship.
Ranking points: ATP 250
Start date/time:
Venue: River Oaks Country Club, Houston, USA
Surface: Outdoor clay
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Rinky Hijikata vs Frances Tiafoe ticket information
Rinky Hijikata vs Frances Tiafoe prediction
Rinky Hijikata advanced to the next round in Houston after a straight sets win over Aleksandar Kovacevic. The Australian held serve throughout and struck 29 winners on his way to winning 6-4 6-2 after one hour and 22 minutes.
He now takes on Frances Tiafoe, who received a bye in the first-round. Tiafoe’s recent results have been encouraging, as he reached the final of the Mexican Open last month and then followed that up with a round-of-16 finish at Indian Wells and a run to the last eight in Miami. The American’s performances have improved after a disappointing 2025.
Tiafoe leads the head-to-head 2-1, with his only defeat against Hijikata occurring due to a retirement in the first-round of Wimbledon two years ago, but this will be their first meeting on clay. Tiafoe has a strong record at this event, having reached three successive finals, winning the title in 2023.
Rinky Hijikata vs Frances Tiafoe tip: Frances Tiafoe to win 2-0
