Rinky Hijikata had to work hard to get past underdog Darwin Blanch in the first round, and that level of performance is unlikely to be enough against a very talented opponent like Raphael Collignon.
Collignon is enjoying a breakthrough season and, despite currently being on a four-match losing streak, should benefit from being in the fresher physical condition.
Collignon Looks To End His Four-Match Losing Streak
- Collignon is currently on a four-match losing streak.
- He has a 26–7 record against players outside the Top 50 in 2026.
- Hijikata has a 3–5 record in second-round matches on tour this year.
- He has a 5–11 record against Top 50 players in 2026.
HTH
This will be their first meeting.
Raphael Collignon Seeks a Winston-Salem Revival
Raphael Collignon has failed to build on his earlier momentum in recent weeks, suffering back-to-back opening-round exits and currently sitting on a four-match losing streak.
Despite the recent dip, he produced impressive results earlier this year, including reaching his maiden tour-level final in Gstaad, the quarterfinals in Halle and Brisbane, and three finals on the Challenger circuit.
He started the season outside the Top 80, but his strong results across different levels helped him reach a career-high ranking of No. 37 recently. He will now be looking to rebuild his momentum this week.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Belgium |
| Age | Born 13 January 2002 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 38 |
| Career High | No. 37 (20 July 2026) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 33 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 0 |
Hijikata Builds on His Cincinnati Revival
Rinky Hijikata moved into the second round after defeating Darwin Blanch in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6. He saved five of the seven break points he faced and converted three of the seven he created.
The Australian recently snapped a four-match losing streak by reaching the third round in Cincinnati, and he will be looking to continue building that momentum this week.
He has played 18 tour-level events this year and registered multiple main-draw wins only three times, with his best results including the fourth round in Indian Wells, the quarterfinals at Queen's Club and the third round in Cincinnati.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Age | Born 23 February 2001 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 85 |
| Career High | No. 62 (26 August 2024) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 87 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 0 |