AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 16, 2024

Rinky Hijikata

Flash Quotes

J.L. STRUFF/R. Hijikata

3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6

Q. How was the atmosphere, the crowd? Obviously not the result you wanted, but must take some positives from really taking it up to a pretty strong opponent.

RINKY HIJIKATA: Yeah, I mean, the atmosphere was unreal. I mean, it always is when we play at home. It's what we look forward to pretty much the entire year.

Yeah, pretty gutted, but, I mean, I left it all out there. Yeah, I mean, it's always a dream come true to play at AO in front of the home fans.

Q. Talk about the crowd atmosphere, the fans. Have you ever experienced anything like that?

RINKY HIJIKATA: I mean, last year was similar. But yeah, I think I would have been off the court a lot earlier had I not had the crowd there and, like, them to pick me up and almost got me over the line.

Yeah, just very thankful for everyone who stuck around that late to watch and support.