Blasting Into the US Open Final 16, 22 YO Rinky Hijikata Reveals Unknown Michael Jordan Admiration Through Prestigious List

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is synonymous with greatness. Many fans consider him the greatest basketball player ever. Leading his team to six championship victories in over 16 seasons, the legacy created by His Airness made him a favorite amongst not only NBA enthusiasts but sports enthusiasts in general. His level of dominance is inspirational to fans and athletes alike.

22-year-old Australian tennis player Rinky Hijikata recently carved his way into US Open’s Final 16. In an interview, the young athlete brought up MJ for a unique compliment.

Tennis star names Michael Jordan as a guest in his ‘fantasy dinner’

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world, who would you choose? Following his success against the world no. 67 Zhizhen Zhang, Rinky was interviewed by a member of the ATP Tour team. This was the first question, and Rinky, though slightly uncertain, provided some great answers. The first person on his mind was New Zealand Rugby player Dan Carter. Interestingly, next at the dinner table was former US President Barack Obama.

Stating that the latter is ?a pretty cool guy?, Hijikata wanted to get some politics in the mix. In spite of that, the tennis player?s third name was related to sports.

?I?m not too sure, maybe stick to sport and Michael Jordan. UNC connection there,? said Hijikata during the interview. Notably, both Jordan and Hijjkata are notable alumni members of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Mike joined the college back in 1981 after receiving a basketball scholarship. Though he majored in cultural geography, he devoted his time to basketball. MJ left the university a year before his graduation to enter the 1984 NBA draft, but returned in 1986 to complete his degree.

Due to his incredible success, Jordan was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Rinky on the other hand, played for the Tar Heels from 2019 to 2021.

Rinky Hijikata is rising through the ranks

The ongoing US Open has seen Rinky Hijikata rise through the ranks and make his mark as a force to be reckoned with.

Securing victory in game after game to reach the fourth round of the prestigious tournament, the Australian is the only thing that stands between the players from the US and the coveted spot in the men?s semifinals.

If he wins, Hijikata will add another year to the country?s already large 20 year Grand Slam drought. As part of the US?s efforts to crush Hijikata?s progress, the latter is set to face World No 10 Frances Tiafoe within the next few hours.

Fans will have to wait and see whether this fan of Michael Jordan will become a legend in his own sport and go down in the history books.

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