Australian Open 2024: Defending Champions Hijikata and Kubler Ready for Title Defense

Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler are gearing up to defend their title at the Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles competition, not feeling any pressure despite their remarkable victory last year. The wildcard duo surprised everyone by defeating seven top-20 players en route to their stunning championship win.

Hijikata, ranked No. 277 at the time, experienced a significant boost in his doubles ranking to reach a career-high of world No.23. The pair reunited after their fairytale run and are excited to get back on the court together again this summer. However, they have only managed to win three out of their 13 matches since their triumph at the Australian Open.

In an interview with tennis.com.au, Hijikata expressed his gratitude for the incredible support they received from the crowd during their matches. He mentioned that the overwhelming fan support provided them with the necessary push to overcome tough opponents.

Despite being the defending champions, Hijikata emphasized that their main focus remains on their singles tournaments. He highlighted that whenever they participate in both singles and doubles events, the doubles competition takes a back seat. With no pressure or high expectations, the duo aims to simply enjoy the experience and compete to the best of their abilities.

As they prepare for the Australian Open 2024, Hijikata and Kubler are excited to see what they can achieve on the court together. With the support of the crowd and their own camaraderie, they are ready to face the upcoming challenges with determination and enthusiasm.