Hijikata vs Rublev Prediction 25 September 2026
🔊 Andrey Rublev dropped out of the top 20 for the first time in 323 weeks earlier this summer, and arrives in Hangzhou ranked 25th in the world and seeded second at the tournament - behind his close friend Daniil Medvedev. In the second round he faces Rinky Hijikata, who has already defended his ranking points from the same stage in China last year. That said, it is far from Hijikata's best result at this event - in 2024 he reached the quarter-finals here. Let's consider what chances Hijikata has of matching that career-best performance on these courts.
Head-to-Head
📊 Rinky Hijikata and Andrey Rublev have not previously met.
Rinky Hijikata Player Overview
Rinky Hijikata has won five of his last ten matches, reflecting inconsistent form. He arrived in Hangzhou on a two-match losing streak but ended it with a hard-fought win over Dalibor Svrcina (7-6, 6-4). Despite that being a straight-sets match, the scoreline was tight throughout. Most of his matches follow a similar pattern: the average match length is 25.2 games, of which Hijikata wins 47%. He holds serve in just 72% of service games. The bulk of his points come from rallies, with Rinky preferring to play from the baseline and wait for the right moment to counter.
Match Results: Rinky Hijikata
Andrey Rublev Player Overview
Andrey Rublev has won six of his last ten matches and is ranked considerably higher - 25th in the world against his opponent's 82nd. That said, his North American swing has been underwhelming even by his opponent's standards: second-round exits at the US Open and Cincinnati, and a first-round loss in Montreal. Rublev holds serve reliably, winning 79% of his service games, with an overall point-winning percentage of 55. That has not prevented him from being drawn into long matches, however - his average match length is 26.9 games. He is known as one of the most uncompromising aggressive baseliners on tour, applying constant pressure from the back of the court, though his game can sometimes lack variety.
Match Results: Andrey Rublev
Key factors
- The average number of games per match involving Rinky Hijikata is 25.2.
- The average number of games per match involving Andrey Rublev is 26.9.
- Rinky Hijikata wins 47% of games, while Andrey Rublev wins 55%.
- Rublev holds serve more reliably and plays a more aggressive style.
Expected scenario
Andrey Rublev will look to take control from the start, attacking aggressively with his forehand. Rinky Hijikata, who moves well along the baseline, will rely on deep defensive play, trying to extend rallies and disrupt the pace with slices and net approaches.
⭐ Editor's Pick
This match looks like a classic contest between Andrey Rublev's aggressive style and Rinky Hijikata's defensive game. How it unfolds will depend largely on Rublev's consistency: as this is his first match after a three-week break following the US Open, unforced errors at the start in Hangzhou seem inevitable, and Hijikata - already in match rhythm - will look to convert them into break points.
If Rublev keeps his emotions in check and maintains accuracy on his baseline groundstrokes, the difference in class should be enough to break down Hijikata's defence. Any dip in the favourite's level, though, could allow the tenacious Australian to make it competitive and push the match into a nervy third set. That potential scenario fits the case for Total Games - Over 20.5.
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Betting Tips: Rinky Hijikata - Andrey Rublev
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