Rinky Hijikata Triumphs Over Gael Monfils in Cincinnati Open

CINCINNATI — Australian Rinky Hijikata came from behind to defeat Gael Monfils 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. This victory marks Hijikata’s first ATP win on hard courts, as the 25-year-old prepares to face Italian Luciano Darderi in the next round.

The match also marked a poignant moment for the 39-year-old Monfils, who made his 14th and final Cincinnati Open appearance. Monfils has announced his retirement will take effect at the end of 2026. In his career at Cincinnati, he reached the quarterfinals in 2011 and famously upset third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in 2024. Following the match, he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

In other first-round results, American Katie Volynets was defeated by Britain’s Katie Boulter with a score of 5-7, 6-0, 6-4, and will next face Linda Noskova. Jack Draper lost 6-3, 7-5 to Martín Landaluce in their first-ever encounter. Landaluce, who snapped a six-match losing streak, will take on Matteo Arnaldi in the second round. Draper, who achieved a career-high No. 4 ranking in June 2025, was competing in only his third tournament since May due to an arm injury.

Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie recovered from a set down to defeat Dino Prizmic 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, setting up a second-round clash with top seed and third-ranked Alexander Zverev. American Taylor Townsend also advanced by overcoming Camila Osorio 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, and will face No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina next.

The Cincinnati Open opened without the world’s top-ranked players as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to injuries. Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed in the tournament, with Iga Swiatek, coming off a victory in Toronto, seeded seventh.

In a notable return, Venus and Serena Williams will compete together in doubles for the first time since the 2022 US Open. The doubles draw is scheduled for Friday.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn