Rinky Hijikata’s aspirations for a prestigious victory in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon came to an abrupt end as he and his Dutch partner, David Pel, suffered a decisive defeat in the final. Facing the all-British team of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, Hijikata and Pel lost 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) in front of a spirited home crowd at the All England Club.
Hijikata and Pel’s journey to the final was remarkable, having saved match points in the earlier rounds, including the semifinals. Despite their valiant efforts, the final proved to be a challenge. Pel, who struggled with his serve, recorded five double faults and was broken three times, while Hijikata worked tirelessly to maintain cohesion on the court.
Historic Win for Cash and Glasspool
Cash and Glasspool became the first all-British duo to clinch the men’s doubles title at Wimbledon since 1936. The match began with an early break, as Pel’s poor service game handed the British pair a critical advantage. They capitalized on this momentum, cruising through the first set with relative ease. The second set saw a tighter contest, culminating in a tiebreak that Cash and Glasspool won comfortably, sealing their victory in one hour and 22 minutes.
“I feel amazing,” Cash said after the match. “To win in front of our home crowd means everything.”
In contrast, Hijikata expressed both disappointment and gratitude for the experience. “It’s a dream come true to play on Centre Court,” he noted. “A bit shattered, but it was a lot of fun.”
Unlikely Partnership Shines
Hijikata and Pel entered the tournament as reserves, not having met before the event began. Their unexpected partnership blossomed, with Pel humorously revealing to the Centre Court crowd their lack of prior acquaintance. “We didn’t even meet before the tournament,” Pel said. “I mean, it was our first time speaking on the day the tournament started.”
Despite the loss, Hijikata reflected positively on their time together, calling it a “crazy ride.” He previously claimed the 2023 Australian Open title alongside Jason Kubler, making this Wimbledon experience a significant addition to his career.
The final marked Hijikata as the fifth Australian to reach the men’s doubles final in the last decade. His journey, characterized by determination and grit, showcased both the highs and lows of competitive tennis.
In a separate highlight of the day, Polish star Iga Świątek dominated Amanda Anisimova with a stunning 6-0, 6-0 victory to secure her first Wimbledon title. The day of competition displayed not only the thrill of tennis but also the ongoing legacy of the sport at one of its most prestigious tournaments.
As the dust settles on this year’s Wimbledon, Hijikata and Pel’s story of perseverance and teamwork will resonate with fans and players alike, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sport and the bonds formed through competition.
