American Ben Shelton takes on Australian Rinky Hijikata on No. 2 Court on Thursday in a second-round Wimbledon match that showcases
Shelton, riding high as the 10th seed fresh off a resilient straight-sets win, faces Australian Rinky Hijikata, a protected-ranking entry whose first-round thrashing of David Goffin showcased his grass-court potential.
Hijikata is not to be underestimated.
Shelton vs. Hijikata Head-to-Head
Thursday’s match marks their second encounter on grass and fourth overall.
Shelton holds a narrow 2–1 lead in the head-to-head, mining past wins on the ATP Tour (Mallorca) and a Challenger. On the ATP circuit, Shelton is 1-0 against Hijikata.
On grass, Shelton triumphed 6–4, 6–0 in Mallorca last June. Hijikata’s lone win came in a hard-court challenger in 2022, but Shelton’s serve dominance and court experience give him the edge.
What to Watch
Serve dynamics: Shelton’s booming first serve (76% wins) vs. Hijikata’s capable returns.
Early activity: Hijikata thrives on fast starts. Shelton must fend off early pressure.
Court mobility: Shelton’s athleticism could expose Hijikata in extended rallies, while Hijikata can rush Shelton at net.
Prediction
Shelton in four sets. His serve, combined with grass-form rhythm, should overpower Hijikata. The Aussie could challenge early, but Shelton’s power and consistency make him the clear favorite.
How to Watch Shelton vs. Hijikata
The Ben Shelton–Rinky Hijikata match is set to start at 2:00 PM Eastern on No. 2 Court. The game will air live on ESPN as part of its whip-around coverage. A dedicated stream for the match is available to ESPN+ subscribers.
Ben Shelton (10) vs. Rinky Hijikata
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Court: No. 2 Court
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website, ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV
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