Rinky Hijikata overcomes qualification disappointment to spring first round Adelaide International upset

Austrlaia's Rinky Hijikata has made an early 2025 season statement, cruising into the second round of the Adelaide International.

Hijikata accounted for former world No.7 David Goffin with ease, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday evening.

"What a win, dominant from Hijikata," caller Peter Psaltis said on Nine.

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The 23-year-old had a disappointing 2024 campaign in the singles format, with a second round loss in the US Open his best result.

The year before, he reached the fourth round of the US Open.

Hijikata's win during the opening round comes after he lost in the qualifiers to fellow Aussie Adam Walton.

However, Hijikata then made it through via a lucky loser qualification and made the most of it.

The world No.79 said the victory was made sweeter by the fact he'd lost to Goffin previously.

"It definitely wasn't easy, David's been around for a long time, he's a class player, he actually diced me up late last year so I knew it was going to be very, very tough and I'm happy to get one back on him," he said on Nine.

Hijikata also came into the match on the back of losing to 6-3, 6-3 to Novak Djokovic in the round of 32 at the Brisbane International.

"He's probably the greatest player of all-time and it was very tough task," he said.

"It was a great learning experience for me and I'm hoping I can take a few lessons into the Aussie summer and have a real crack the next few weeks.

"I've got a lot, lot more in me ... I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface yet, I'm hoping for a lot, lot more."