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Aussie wildcard Rinky Hijikata welcomes his underdog role against American fan favourite Frances Tiafoe as they clash for a US Open quarter-final spot.
Rinky Hijikata won't be intimidated as the Australian wildcard squares off with fan favourite Frances Tiafoe for an unexpected place in the US Open quarter-finals.
Hijikata has already enjoyed a dream run through the draw, ousting three higher-ranked rivals en route to the last 16 at a grand slam for the first time.
Now three Americans stand in his path toward a potential blockbuster semi-final with 23-times major winner Novak Djokovic on tennis's biggest stage.
First up is 10th-seeded Tiafoe on Monday (AEST) on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The son of Sierra Leone immigrants, Tiafoe captured the hearts of a nation last year when, living up to the potential of being the youngest US man since 2002 Open champion Andy Roddick to win an ATP title, he charged all the way to the semi-finals in New York.
The 25-year-old has kicked on in 2023, grabbing three more trophies and a career-high ranking inside the world's top 10.
"Obviously a quality player, he's had a phenomenal year, last few years actually," Hijikata said.
"He's got a complete game. I don't feel there are many holes in his game.
"He's a great athlete, has a great serve, he's one of the few guys that are the face of American tennis at the moment. I'm sure they'll be getting behind him but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"I know I am going to have to play well to make him uncomfortable but I'll see what I can do.
"A lot of these guys have really not seen a lot of me. I haven't played a whole lot on the main tour. I guess that is a little bit of an advantage."
Tiafoe admits as much, saying he knows little about Hijikata's game, which has proven big enough to take the opening set off the great Rafael Nadal in his grand slam debut under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium last year.
"I'm excited to play him," Tiafoe said.
"He's going to be pumped up. I'm pretty sure it's his first fourth round. But, yeah, we'll see how he does with the crowd and all that."
Hijikata plans on feeding off the crowd's electricity rather than retreating into his shell.
Another upset win would propel the 22-year-old into a quarter-final opportunity against 14th seed Tommy Paul or fellow American Ben Shelton.
And Hijikata is more than happy to play the party pooper role against the more-fancied Americans.
"I love playing in front of people. I don't really care if they are for me or against me," said the former University of North Carolina star.
"I've played plenty of away college matches in my time and in some pretty hostile environments so either way I feel like I thrive on the energy.
"They won't be for me, that's for sure, but I'll still try to enjoy it as much as I can. It is great playing in front of crowds like this and I am sure there will be lots of energy."
