Daniil Medvedev recently showed a remarkable boost in his performance. After navigating his way through the ups and downs of competition throughout the season, he battled past notable rivals like Jannik Sinner and therefore, made it to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Although his run was hindered by the champion Carlos Alcaraz, the extended campaign surely helped him gain enough confidence.

Walking on the prestigious courts of Roland Garros with the same levels of enthusiasm, Medvedev is set to begin his run with a showdown against Rinky Hijikata. Here’s a detailed comparison of previous stats and a keenly calculated pick.

Daniil Medvedev vs Rinky Hijikata: Preview

Daniil Medvedev

Currently ranked No. 5 in the world, Dannil Medvedev is gearing up for his opening-round match at the Paris Olympics. After a tough semifinal loss at Wimbledon to Carlos Alcaraz, where he faced a 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4 6-4 defeat, the Russian hopes to bounce back and perform well on the Olympic stage. Boasting a solid 33-10 win-loss record for 2024, he also hit several milestones including finals appearances at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Medvedev has a strong career record of 523-208 and has proven himself on clay courts with an 86-47 record. Despite being 9-4 on clay in 2024, his experience and past successes make him a formidable opponent. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can leverage his skills and recent performances to make a deep run at the Olympics.

Rinky Hijikata

Rinky Hijikata, currently ranked No. 76, is set to begin his campaign at the Paris Olympics. His most recent match was at Newport on July 16, where he was defeated 4-6 7-6(4) 6-2 by Mackenzie McDonald in the first round itself. With a concerning 16-23 win-loss record for 2024, including a challenging 1-5 record on clay, Hijikata has clearly faced some difficulties this season.

The Australian has a win-loss record of 181-121 throughout his career, but his performance on clay has been less impressive with a 20-22 record. Despite these challenges, he aims to turn things around on the red dirt this time, hoping to be strong enough at the Olympics.

Medvedev vs Hijikata: Head-to-head

This upcoming match is set to mark the second time Daniil Medvedev and Rinky Hijikata face each other. Looking back to their first and only encounter which took place in the 2022 Los Cabos tournament, Medvedev secured a straight-set victory of 6-4 6-3.

Currently, Medvedev leads their head-to-head record 1-0. It’s worth noting that their previous match was not on clay, and they have not yet played against each other on this surface. This means their performance on clay will be a new factor in the budding rivalry, expected to add an interesting twist to their upcoming clash at the Paris Olympics.

Prediction: Medvedev to win in straight sets

Daniil Medvedev is favored to win in straight sets as he prepares to face Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Olympics. The Russian ATP star’s remarkable skills, including his powerful serve, flat forehand, and strong two-handed backhand, make him a tough opponent on any surface. His tall and lean frame allows him to cover the court efficiently, and his ability to play both offensively and defensively gives him a better edge. With a career record of 523-208 and a strong record this year, it won’t be wrong to say that Medvedev is in excellent form.

On the other hand, Hijikata has struggled on clay, with a 1-5 record this year, and his overall career record on this surface is also not ideal. Medvedev’s consistent defensive skills and smart play are likely to turn down Hijikata’s attacks. Considering Medvedev’s past victory over Hijikata and his recent levels, it’s reasonable to expect that he will secure a straight-set win in their upcoming match.