Rinky Hijikata claims second Challenger title

After his amazing Australian Open doubles title run with fellow Australian Jason Kubler it was back to the ATP Challenger circuit for Rinky Hijikata as he headed to Burnie in Tasmania.

Kubler and Hijikata pocketed $695,000 between them after their Grand Slam glory and played in a stadium that would almost fit the entire population of Burnie.

It was a lot different in Burnie.

Hijikata raced through the draw without dropping a set. He defeated fellow-Australian James Duckworth in the final. It was 6-3, 6-3 over the tournament’s top seed.

The Burnie title is the second ATP Challenger title for Hijikata after winning the Playford title late last year.

With the title Hijikata jumps to a projected ranking of no. 119, a jump of 30 places.

Storm Hunter won the women’s ITF tournament, also in Burnie. Hunter defeated Olivia Gadecki 6-4, 6-3.