As an insight into the competitiveness of Rinky Hijikata, the fretful hours following his thrilling debut performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York last August are illuminating. Pitted against four-time champion Rafael Nadal, the Australian started with an audacity that astounded the 24,000 fans expecting to see a legend waltz to a win against a wildcard.
The 22-time major winner ultimately gained the upper hand, but as Hijikata contemplated the defeat over a pizza later that night, he was far from satisfied. It had been an experience to savour given his inexperience. But this did not temper his regret. Hijikata felt he had let the Spanish legend off the hook.
