Rankings & Form
Felix Auger-Aliassime holds a solid position as ATP No. 4 with 4740 points, contrasting sharply with Rinky Hijikata, who is ranked 95th and has 673 points. Auger-Aliassime’s recent form reads LWWLW, reflecting a generally strong run with three wins in his last five matches, whereas Hijikata’s WLWLL form suggests some inconsistency. The ranking disparity and recent results set a clear expectation for the Canadian to dominate, yet Hijikata’s occasional breakthroughs hint at potential resistance.
Playing Styles
Auger-Aliassime is known for his aggressive baseline game and strong serve, which should prove effective on the hard courts of the US Open. Hijikata, although less experienced at this level, brings a dynamic style with solid shot variety but can struggle to maintain pressure under sustained attack. The contrast in styles could see Auger-Aliassime pushing Hijikata into defensive positions frequently, especially given Felix’s ability to convert break points, as reflected in recent matches.
Recent Results
Looking at recent matches, Auger-Aliassime’s scores show a mix of straight-set wins (0-2) and a challenging loss with a 1-3 set score, indicating some vulnerability but overall control. Hijikata’s recent results include a notable win (2-0) but also losses where he failed to gain momentum, such as a 0-2 defeat. This pattern suggests that while Hijikata can produce bursts of high-quality tennis, sustaining it against a top-four player like Felix will be difficult.
Match Prediction
Given Auger-Aliassime’s higher ranking, stronger recent form, and style well-suited to hard courts, the expert pick favors him to win at roughly 1.20 odds. The AI prediction also supports Felix taking the first set at around 1.50 odds, reflecting the expectation that he will establish control early. While Hijikata’s fighting spirit may extend some rallies, the overall outlook points to a relatively straightforward progression for Auger-Aliassime in this US Open encounter.
Place bet