Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata – Second Round – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata on and what time does it start? Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata will take place on Wednesday 18th January, 2023 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where is Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata taking place? Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata being played on? Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata
What channel is Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata on in the UK? Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rinky Hijikata live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
World number four Stefanos Tsitsipas had his serve broken two times in a competitive three-set victory over Quentin Halys but he will be thrilled with the overall performance as a player with one too many early exits at Grand Slams in recent years. The Greek finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic at Roland-Garros in 2021 but he has been most consistently successful at the Australian Open, reaching the semi-finals in three of the last four seasons including each of the last two. Tsitsipas takes a five-match winning streak into the second round after claiming all four of his singles matches at the United Cup for Greece two weeks ago.
THE PREDICTION
This match should get plenty of attention on Wednesday as wildcard Rinky Hijikata claimed the result of his young career in the first round, coming back from two sets down to beat Yannick Hanfmann. The 21-year-old will set a new career-high ATP world ranking around 144th for his troubles but Tsitsipas’ start to 2023 suggests he has come to Melbourne with a more solid foundation than we have seen for some time and any sort of an upset would be a big shock. Hijikata will receive the partisan atmosphere befitting a young Aussie underdog, though, and it would not be a surprise to see him sneak a set here. Back Tsitsipas to win outright and consider adding at least a tiebreak in the match, with both players seeing one in their first round matches.
