Hijikata advances in straight sets at Winston-Salem

Rinky Hijikata was the standout Australian at the Winston-Salem Open on 23 August 2026, defeating Darwin Blanch 6-4, 7-6(2) in the Round of 64. Hijikata secured the match in straight sets, winning two sets without dropping one, with the contest lasting 1:38:06. The Australian held firm in the second-set tie-break, closing it out 7-2 to complete the victory. Aleksandar Vukic was listed on the opposing side of the fixture alongside Blanch, but his participation status was recorded as scheduled and no appearance was recorded. The result sends Hijikata through to the next round of the Winston-Salem event.