Rinky Hijikata to take on Brit Aidan McHugh in Junior Aus Open quarterfinals

Epping’s Rinky Hijikata has cruised into the quarterfinals of the Junior Australian Open with a straight sets victory over American Drew Baird

Rinky Hijikata will take on Aidan McHugh of Great Britain on Australia Day in the quarterfinals of the Junior Australian Open. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Epping tennis sensation Rinky Hijikata has continued to steamroll his way through the boys singles draw at the Junior Australian Open, overcoming American Drew Baird in straight sets to earn a quarterfinal matchup against Great Britain’s Aidan McHugh.

The 16 year old showed no signs of the cramping that affected him in his round three matchup with Brazilian Matheus Pucinelli De Almeida, breezing through McHugh 6-4 6-3.

While Hijikata struggled with his service game, only managing to serve 40 per cent of his first serves in, Baird was completely outclassed by the Australian’s groundplay and return game.

Hijikata will rest up today before his mouth-watering clash with McHugh on Australia Day, with both juniors only dropping one set on their way to the quarterfinals.