Rinky Hijikata Favored in Australian Open First Round Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian tennis fans are rallying behind local hope Rinky Hijikata as he prepares to face Mitchell Krueger in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, January 13. The match, set to take place at Melbourne Park, pits the No. 72-ranked Hijikata against Krueger, who sits at No. 146 in the world rankings.

Hijikata enters the match as the clear favorite, with odds of -250, while Krueger is listed at +185. The implied probability of Hijikata winning stands at 71.4%, compared to Krueger’s 35.1%. The hard court surface at Melbourne Park will serve as the battleground for this Round of 128 clash.

“Rinky has been in great form, and the crowd support here in Melbourne is always a huge boost,” said a local tennis analyst. “Krueger is a tough opponent, but Hijikata’s recent performances suggest he has the edge.”

Both players are looking to make a strong start to their 2025 campaigns. Hijikata, who has been steadily climbing the rankings, will aim to leverage his home-court advantage. Krueger, on the other hand, will be looking to upset the odds and advance to the next round.

The Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, attracts top talent from around the globe. This year’s event promises to deliver thrilling matches as players vie for the prestigious title.