Rinky Hijikata’s aspirations of adding his name to the prestigious list of Australian doubles champions at Wimbledon were thwarted on July 16, 2023. Hijikata, alongside his Dutch partner David Pel, faced a challenging match in the men’s doubles final against Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, ultimately losing 6-2, 7-6 (7-3). This victory marked a historic moment for Cash and Glasspool, as they became the first all-British team to win the Wimbledon men’s doubles title since 1936.
The final, held on the iconic Centre Court, saw a raucous crowd rallying behind the British duo. Cash and Glasspool capitalized on an early break, which stemmed from a shaky service game by Pel. They maintained their momentum throughout the match, finishing with a comfortable win that took just one hour and 22 minutes.
Hijikata and Pel’s journey to the final was remarkable. They saved match points in the first and second rounds, as well as in the semifinals, showcasing their resilience. Reflecting on the experience, Hijikata described playing in the final as a “dream come true.” Pel humorously shared their unexpected partnership, noting, “We didn’t even meet before the tournament,” highlighting the spontaneity of their collaboration. The two only connected on the first day of the event when they learned they would compete together after another team withdrew.
Despite the loss, Hijikata remained optimistic about their performance. He praised Pel’s energy on the court, stating, “It’s been so much fun playing with David. He’s made it very easy for me out there.” The duo’s bond grew during the tournament, despite their late assembly as a team.
Hijikata is now the fifth Australian to reach the men’s doubles final in the last ten editions of Wimbledon. His previous success includes winning the 2023 Australian Open title with Jason Kubler, which adds to the significance of his Wimbledon appearance. While disappointed with the outcome, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “A bit shattered, but it was a lot of fun.”
On the women’s side, Iga Świątek dominated Amanda Anisimova in the final, winning 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes, further showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s Wimbledon tournament. As the event concluded, Hijikata’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports, where dreams can be both fulfilled and dashed in the blink of an eye.
