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Aussies Hunter, Hijikata earn US Open wildcards

3 minute read

Australian pair Storm Hunter and Rinky Hijikata have been awarded wildcards into the US Open starting at Flushing Meadows on August 28.

RINKY HIJIKATA
RINKY HIJIKATA Picture: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Storm Hunter and Rinky Hijikata have boosted Australia's US Open contingent to 12 players after being awarded wildcards into the season's final grand slam in New York.

Hijikata joins Alex de Minaur, Aleksandar Vukic, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, Chris O'Connell, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jason Kubler in the men's main draw.

The Sydneysider will be making his second appearance at Flushing Meadows after enjoying a memorable debut last year when he faced off with Rafael Nadal under bright lights on centre court in the first round.

Hijikata took the opening set in a career highlight.

"It's probably been my favourite match of my career so far," he said.

"The atmosphere on Arthur Ashe Stadium was incredible. I'm really looking forward to just going back, soaking up the atmosphere again.

"It's a great tournament to be a part of."

In another breakout season, the 22-year-old has advanced to his first ATP 250 semi-final in 's-Hertogenbosch, notched a second-round appearance at the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells and claim his second ATP Challenger title in Burnie.

Hijikata also became a grand slam doubles champion alongside Jason Kubler at the Australian Open in January.

"It's been a year of firsts for me," he said.

"I still want to keep going up and hopefully this is just the beginning and there is a lot more to come."

Hunter joins Daria Saville and 2022 quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic in the women's singles after also excelling this year.

The world No.165 qualified for both the French Open and Wimbledon, reaching the second round in Paris, and will feature in the main draw at all four grand slams in a calendar year for the first time.

The 29-year-old has won 21 of her 32 singles matches so far this season and scored her third career top-30 victory against world No.22 Donna Vekic in Hamburg last month.

Hunter is the top-ranked Australian in doubles and made the Wimbledon doubles final with Belgian Elise Mertens.

"I've had some amazing memories on the court so far this year," Hunter said.

"To receive the US Open wildcard is just a really cool opportunity."

Another 10 Australians will compete in US Open qualifying, with the main-draw action starting on August 28.

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