On July 3, 2025, tennis fans at Wimbledon witnessed a compelling second-round battle between Ben Shelton, the American 10th seed, and Rinky Hijikata, the determined Australian ranked 87th in the world. The match, played on Court 2 in London, drew attention for its intriguing contrast in styles and the rising profiles of both players.
Shelton’s Power vs. Hijikata’s Grit
Ben Shelton, who recently broke into the ATP top 10, entered the match with a 20-14 season record and confidence from a straight-sets win over Alex Bolt in the first round. Despite a modest grass-court season leading up to Wimbledon, Shelton’s big lefty serve and athleticism made him a dangerous opponent.
Rinky Hijikata, meanwhile, arrived in London after a tough grass swing but turned heads by dispatching former quarterfinalist David Goffin in his opener, dropping just five games. Known more for his doubles prowess, Hijikata brought speed, consistency, and a low strike zone to the singles court—qualities that can trouble even the best on grass.
Head-to-Head History
Heading into this match, Shelton led the ATP head-to-head 1-0, having defeated Hijikata in straight sets at the 2024 Mallorca Championships on grass. Overall, Shelton held a 2-1 edge in their career meetings, with Hijikata’s only win coming on hard courts at the Challenger level.
Match Dynamics and What Happened
The contest was billed as a classic “power vs. agility” matchup. Shelton’s booming serve, winning him 76% of first-serve points this season, faced off against Hijikata’s sharp returns and quick movement. Early on, Hijikata tried to pressure Shelton by attacking the net and keeping rallies short, but Shelton’s athleticism and ability to dictate play from the baseline began to show as the match progressed.
Prediction and Outcome
Most analysts favored Shelton, predicting that his serve and growing comfort on grass would be too much for Hijikata to handle over five sets. Still, Hijikata’s fighting spirit and ability to start matches quickly meant Shelton couldn’t afford a slow start.
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Sportskeeda predicted a five-set upset in favor of Hijikata, highlighting his grass-court adaptability.
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Globely News picked Shelton to win in four sets, citing his serve and form as decisive factors.
Where to Watch
The match aired live on ESPN in the US, with streaming available on ESPN+ and other platforms, making it accessible for fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The Shelton vs. Hijikata clash at Wimbledon 2025 was a showcase of emerging talent and contrasting styles, with both players proving why they’re ones to watch in the years ahead. Shelton’s rise continues, but Hijikata’s performance reminded everyone that rankings don’t always tell the full story.
It was a match with drama, power, and real grass-court tennis—just what Wimbledon is all about.