Rinky Hijikata claims upset Adelaide International RO16 win over American Brandon Nakashima

A rising Australian young gun says he is embracing the ‘lucky loser’ tag after fighting through a gruelling Adelaide International round of 16 match to secure an unlikely quarter final berth.

Adelaide International ‘lucky loser’ Rinky Hijikata has secured an unlikely quarter final berth with a gruelling three-set upset win during an otherwise disappointing day session for Australians at the tournament.

The world No.79 out of Sydney, who made the main draw of the tournament off of a loss, followed up his Round of 32 win over David Goffin with a gutsy 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) win over American world No.37 Brandon Nakashima on Wednesday, an opponent he had previously not beaten.

Hijikata, who took the first set convincingly before dropping the second, showed plenty of fire and emotion during the deciding third set tie-breaker at Memorial Drive, digging deep to force Nakashima errors and claim the victory off of a backhand winner.

Australian Rinky Hijikata has made the quarter finals of the Adelaide International. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“I’m pretty pumped to get through that one,” the 23-year-old said.

“He was pretty off in the first set but started serving really well from then and I never really had a look-in on his serve during the second and third sets.

“I just wanted to keep taking care of my own service points deep in that third set and during the tie-breaker and hopefully get a couple chances on his serve which I could take advantage of.

“I feel like I’m playing with house money a bit after getting through to the main draw on a loss but I feel there’s nothing really to lose and I’m having a lot of fun out there.”

Hijikata’s win sets up a quarter final matchup with the tournament’s top seed, world No.12 American Tommy Paul who defeated Frenchman Manuel Guinard 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in his round of 16 clash.

Rinky Hijikata in action during the 2025 Adelaide International at Memorial Drive. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

He said he was eager to test himself in a quarter final ahead of the Australian Open.

“I’m really excited.

“I just want to keep getting some work in, keep getting some match play in and improving my game before Melbourne, that’s the main priority.”

Hijikata’s countrymen, Chris O’Connell and Adelaide local Li Tu, were bundled out during Wednesday’s day session.

O’Connell fought valiantly in the first set against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic but ultimately lost 6-7, 2-6, while Tu suffered a 3-6, 3-6 straight sets defeat to Benjamin Bonzi.

Originally published as Rinky Hijikata claims upset Adelaide International RO16 win over American Brandon Nakashima