ATP Queen’s Club: Sebastian Korda vs Rinky Hijikata; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

It is the ATP Queen’s Club Championship and the players are all set to conquer the grass courts here in Britain. Coming into the mid-year now, all the players will be looking to get themselves up and running and make sure that they lay their hands on the title. One of those stars will be Sebastian Korda. After a fine run of form at the Libema Open and sending shockwaves at the Queen’s Club, a semi-final is something that he will be looking to secure.

However, his Australian opponent in the quarters, Rinky Hijikata will be looking to do whatever it takes to silence the American swing. With the stage set for a mouth-watering encounter, who among the two will make their way to the top?

Sebastian Korda vs Rinky Hijikata: Preview

Sebastian Korda has been in excellent form on grass this year. He started strong in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, sweeping past Tristan Schoolkate, Luca Nardi, Tommy Paul, and Tallon Griekspoor without dropping a set. Although he lost to Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-4 in the final, his performance was commendable. At Queen’s, Korda began with a convincing 7-5, 7-6 (5) win over Karen Khachanov. In the second round, he faced third seed Grigor Dimitrov.

They split the first two sets with one service break each. In the deciding set, Sebastian Korda broke Dimitrov in the final game to clinch a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory, showcasing his determination and skill on the grass courts.

On the other hand, his opponent in the quarters, Rinky Hijikata began his grass court season in ‘s-Hertogenbosch but lost in the first round to fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Entering Queen’s as a qualifier, he defeated local players Henry Searle and Arthur Rinderknech to earn a spot in the main draw.

In his first-round match, Hijikata faced Frances Tiafoe, winning after Tiafoe retired hurt with the score at 7-5, 4-6, 1-0. Hijikata then battled through another tough match in the second round, beating Matteo Arnaldi in two tie-break sets, 7-6 (0), 7-6 (7), showcasing his resilience and skill on grass.

Korda vs Hijikata: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between the two players, not much is available on them. Apparently, these two stars have not crossed each other’s paths and this will be the first time when these two stars lock horns against each other. Thus, with the score equal at 0-0 each, both players will be looking to give in their everything and take the lead in the head-to-head stars. But, who among the two will come out on top?

Prediction: Sebastian Korda could make his way into the semis with a straight-set win

As things stand, the momentum that Sebastian Korda has shown makes him the top contender to clinch the match at Queen’s. Having already stunned the likes of Dimitrov and Khachanov, he would be looking to get past Hijikata and make his way into the last 4 again.

But, his Aussie opponent will certainly be a hard nut to crack. Hijikata, who has already stunned an American Frances Tiafoe earlier in the tournament knows the stakes involved and will try everything in his power to make sure that he lands his hands on title glory. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!