Rankings & Form
Felix Auger-Aliassime arrives at the US Open as the clear favorite, holding the ATP No. 4 spot with 4,740 points. His recent form is somewhat mixed but leans positive with a LWWLW sequence, indicating resilience despite some inconsistencies. On the other side, Rinky Hijikata, ranked No. 95 with 673 points, enters this clash with a WLWLL pattern, struggling to find consistent momentum against higher-ranked opponents.
Recent Results
Auger-Aliassime’s recent matches have featured some tight scorelines, including a 2-0 loss and two 0-2 wins, showcasing his ability to close out matches decisively when in form. Hijikata’s recent outings include a 1-2 win and a 2-0 loss, reflecting a player still adjusting to the demands of a Grand Slam environment. These results hint at Auger-Aliassime’s greater experience in managing high-pressure situations.
Playing Styles & Tactics
Auger-Aliassime’s game is built on a powerful baseline attack with a solid serve and aggressive forehand, which should allow him to dictate points on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Hijikata, while less experienced at this level, uses a more defensive style with occasional bursts of offense, but may struggle to handle Auger-Aliassime’s pace and depth consistently.
Match Prediction
Given the ranking gap and recent form, Auger-Aliassime is expected to take control early and likely secure the first set, as reflected in the betting odds (~1.20 to win and ~1.50 to take the opening set). Hijikata’s chances hinge on disrupting Felix’s rhythm, but the data strongly favors the Canadian advancing to the next round.
