Unseen Potential: The Under-the-Radar ‘Stubborn’ Star Takes a Risk Playing Hurt Before Stunning Comeback Against Australia

Australian players Rinky Hijikata, Tristan Schoolkate, and Destanee Aiava faced early exits at Roland-Garros, bowing out in the first round during day one of the tournament in Paris.

Hijikata initially seized the first set against powerful American Reilly Opelka, winning 6-1, but faltered as Opelka rallied back for a 1-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-6(3) victory.

The Sydney native needed only 18 minutes to clinch the opening set before Opelka, towering at 211 cm, unleashed his robust serves, sending balls over the net at steep angles that proved challenging for Hijikata.

Initially, it seemed Opelka might retire due to a knee issue, as he appeared in discomfort during the match.

The 27-year-old American took to the court with heavy strapping around his left knee, raising concerns about his fitness.

Opelka struggled with his movement while attempting to respond to Hijikata’s counter-strategies, ultimately dropping the first set.

Alarmingly, Opelka lost 10 consecutive points on his serve at the start of the second set, raising eyebrows.

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“This is unprecedented, ten consecutive points off the Opelka serve,” remarked Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge during the Nine broadcast.

Fellow commentator and contemporary Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis remarked, “Something is clearly amiss here.”

As Opelka’s performance declined further, Kokkinakis expressed concern about the potential financial repercussions for Opelka, who risked incurring a fine for not competing at his full capacity.

If tournament officials deem a player unable to compete effectively, it could result in significant fines, particularly as there is an emphasis on providing opportunities for lucky losers.

Woodbridge explained that players withdrawing from a Grand Slam post-draw but before the tournament starts retain part of the first-round prize money, usually shared with the lucky loser who steps in.

In this context, a lucky loser refers to a player who suffering defeat in the final qualifying round but is granted entry into the main event due to another player’s withdrawal.

However, if a player decides to play and shows signs of being unfit for competition, they could forfeit more than just half of their prize money.

This rule exists to prevent players from occupying a place in the main draw at the expense of a lucky loser if they’re significantly unfit, while still providing partial compensation.

Kokkinakis stated, “It’s ultimately up to the player to weigh the worth of competing.”

“Players can be quite stubborn, believing they can still perform despite their issues.”

The specifics of determining a player’s competitiveness typically fall to the judgement of the tournament supervisor.

Fines and decisions may vary across tournaments based on their interpretations of competitiveness.

A rain delay interrupted play midway through the second set, offering Opelka a chance to regain his footing in the match.

Australian wildcards Schoolkate and Aiava, both first-timers at Roland-Garros, also saw their campaigns end prematurely in the opening round.

Schoolkate faced more experienced Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, ultimately succumbing to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 defeat.

Meanwhile, Aiava pushed hard in the first set but fell 7-5, 6-1 to her Ukrainian opponent.

As the tournament progresses, more Australian competitors will step onto the court as day two begins, with encounters starting from 7pm Monday (AEST).

DAY 2

Men’s singles draw:

[25] Alexei Popyrin (AUS) vs Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN), First match on Court 6

Jordan Thompson (AUS) vs Jiri Lehecka (CZE), Second match on Court 4

Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) vs [24] Karen Khachanov, Third match on Court 12

Chris O’Connell (AUS) vs [22] Ugo Humbert (FRA), Last match on Court 14

Women’s singles draw:

[Q] Daria Saville vs [7] Madison Keys, Last match on Simonne-Matthieu Court

[17] Daria Kasatkina (AUS) vs Katerina Siniakova (CZE), Third match on Court 6

Maya Joint (AUS) vs Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS), Second match on Court 9

Kimberly Birrell (AUS) vs Jaqueline Cristian (ROU), Second match on Court 13