Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata Preview & Prediction | 2024 Brisbane International | Round of 16
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 250
When is Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata on and what time does it start? Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata will take place on Thursday 4th January, 2024 – not before 01:00 (UK)
Where is Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata taking place? Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia
What surface is Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata being played on? Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata? Click here for the latest ticket information for Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata
What channel is Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata on in the UK? Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Tomas Machac vs Rinky Hijikata live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
This should be a fierce battle between two up-and-coming young players who both set their career-high ATP world rankings in October. 22-year-old Tomas Machac finally hit the gear we knew he could find on the late hardcourt swing, winning two of three Challenger finals reached in that span as well as beating Stan Wawrinka and closely losing out to Stefanos Tsitsipas on the main tour to set a high of 64th. The current number 78 qualified well this weekend before an impressive comeback over seventh seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Tuesday but Rinky Hijikata, also 22, ousted fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis in surprising straight sets to look a creditable threat too. Hijikata is just one place behind his career-high of 70th, set after a shock run to the round of 16 at the US Open, and he will be backed to the hilt by a partisan atmosphere here in Brisbane – conditions in which he has thrived before.
Machac is probably the more in form player at this moment in time but three sets feel likelier than two in this first meeting between the two. Take the Czech to earn at least a set to leave the victor up to chance.
TIP: TOMAS MACHAC TO WIN A SET
