The Australian Open has announced their latest set of wildcards, which includes a player who ended Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career.
Six wildcards were initially announced for the Australian Open, including the daughter of a four-time Grand Slam champion.
These six players were then joined by the two French recipients of Australian Open wildcards, which featured a WTA champion.
There has been a lot of speculation over whether Nick Kyrgios will receive an Australian Open wildcard, but he is still yet to be confirmed.
Rinky Hijikata one of the latest four Australian Open wildcards announced
Four more wildcards have been announced for the Australian Open, featuring one ATP player and three WTA players.
All of these players are Australian, with Rinky Hijikata being the latest player to receive a wildcard for the men’s singles draw.
Hijikata has a career-high ranking of world number 62 and is a Grand Slam doubles champion, but results this year have caused him to fall outside the top 100 and therefore require an Australian Open wildcard.
The 24-year-old’s best singles result at a major came when he reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2023, but he has never surpassed the second round of the Australian Open.
While Hijikata has won a major title before, he is perhaps most known for beating the aforementioned Murray in the final match of his Wimbledon career.
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Three wildcards still remain for the men’s singles draw at the Australian Open, leaving opportunities for both Kyrgios and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who has announced he will be retiring in 2026.
However, there is only one more wildcard spot for the women’s singles draw at the Australian Open, after Priscilla Hon, Talia Gibson and Taylah Preston were all given one.
Venus Williams has played down speculation of her competing at the Australian Open next year, despite confirming her participation at the ASB Classic, and it remains to be seen if this wildcard has been kept for her.
What Rinky Hijikata said after beating Andy Murray in his last match at Wimbledon
Murray played his last Wimbledon in 2024, competing in the men’s doubles draw alongside his older brother Jamie.
They played their first round match against the Australian pairing of Hijikata and John Peers, with the match taking place on Centre Court.
Despite having the backing of the fan support, the Murray brothers were beaten by Hijikata and Peers, 7-6(6) 6-4.
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After ending the Wimbledon career of Andy Murray, both Hijikata and Peers paid tribute to the two-time singles champion.
“It was an honour to be out there, Andy is a true champion,” Hijikata said in the on-court interview.
Peers added, “Jamie and I go back a long time, and this was only the third time I have played on Centre Court. It was great to be part of this day for Andy, he’s a great champion.”
Although he would lose his subsequent match in the doubles tournament last year, Hijikata would go all the way to the Wimbledon final alongside Dutch player David Pel in 2025.
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