Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 US Open
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THE FACTS
When is Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal will take place on Wednesday 31st August, 2022 – not before 00:00 (UK)
Where is Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, USA
What surface is Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal
What channel is Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal on in the UK? Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal will be televised live on the Amazon Prime Video app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Rinky Hijikata vs Rafael Nadal live on Prime Video
THE LOWDOWN
World number three Rafael Nadal returns to the US Open for the first time since 2019, where he won his fourth title in a five-set epic over Daniil Medvedev – the current champion. 36-year-old Nadal also beat Medvedev in five sets in Melbourne this season to win a Men’s record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title in only his second tournament back since a long injury lay-off and he extended that record in June by winning a 14th Roland-Garros title, ousting Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. With Wimbledon champion Djokovic unable to compete in New York, Nadal is looking for a third Grand Slam title this season to further re-write what was thought possible this late in his career. However, an early defeat to eventual Cincinnati Open champion Borna Coric last time out is unfortunate in terms of preparation. Nadal has gone on winning streaks of 21 and 12 so far this season.
THE PREDICTION
World number 198 Rinky Hijikata received a wildcard to make his Grand Slam debut in the main draw of the US Open and he has been granted with a life-changing opportunity to play a true legend of the sport. Hijikata has only played three tour-level matches before this week but he impressed in an ITF event two weeks ago in Columbus and at the Los Cabos Open before that. This winnable opener is exactly what the doctor ordered for Nadal, though, as he comes in a little cold from his latest injury lay-off. The Spaniard is well known for blasting through his first few rounds at majors and he can be backed to win this in straight sets.
