In an exciting matchup at the 2026 Adelaide International, top seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is set to face wild card Rinky Hijikata in the second round. Fokina, who is coming off a first-round bye, boasts a higher ATP ranking of No. 15 and a solid history on the ATP Tour, including reaching multiple finals last season. With a career-high ranking of No. 14 achieved in November 2025, Fokina’s impressive stats from the previous year include 246 aces and a 68% success rate on first-serve points.
On the other hand, Hijikata, ranked No. 115, has shown promise primarily on the Challenger circuit, where he has achieved notable results. His stats indicate competitive performance, with 97 aces and a break-point conversion rate of 39%. Despite the ranking disparity, Hijikata’s ability to hold serve and make sets close gives him a fighting chance.
Fokina has been vocal about his journey and progress, expressing gratitude for his supporters and excitement for the potential of the 2026 season. This serves as a backdrop to their upcoming encounter on January 14, set to take place on the outdoor hard courts of Centre Court at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide, with a projected start time of 6:30 PM ACDT.
Betting markets currently favor Fokina, with odds around -250 at BetMGM, highlighting his status as the favorite. The recommended bet for this match is Fokina -3.5 games at odds of -105. This option allows bettors to support Fokina while factoring in his potential volatility during a match. Statistics indicate that Fokina’s return game may prove crucial in securing a significant margin over Hijikata, as evidenced by his notable first-serve return statistics.
Fokina’s recent form has generally been strong, with a runner-up finish in Basel and deep runs at other significant tournaments, while Hijikata shows promise with a title at the Challenger level. Notably, their head-to-head history shows Hijikata holding a slight edge, having defeated Fokina in four sets at the 2024 US Open.
Fans eager to watch this showdown can tune in via various broadcasters, including Sky Sports Tennis in the UK and Tennis Channel in the USA, with streaming options available for subscribers. This matchup not only promises thrilling tennis but also a glimpse into the potential trajectories of both players as they navigate the 2026 season.