Key Highlights
- Cameron Norrie (No. 29 in the world) faces Rinky Hijikata (No. 117) in the Round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open.
- Norrie is favored (-325) over Hijikata (+240).
- Hijikata has a match record of 16-13 on hard courts over the last 12 months.
- On February 24, Hijikata was defeated by Mattia Bellucci 6-7, 3-6 in the Round of 32 of his most recent tournament.
The Odds Aren’t In His Favor
Hijikata is a long shot against Norrie. The betting odds reflect this, with Norrie favored at -325 and Hijikata at +240. But you might think this is new, but… not exactly.
A Track Record of Underperformance
Hijikata’s recent form isn’t exactly inspiring. His record on hard courts over the past year stands at 16 wins and 13 losses. That’s a win rate of just under 54%, which is not impressive given his ranking. In his last tournament, he was dispatched by Mattia Bellucci in straight sets.
Prospects for Norrie
Norrie, on the other hand, has been steadily improving. He’s got a solid record of 17 wins and 16 losses over the past year on hard courts. His service game is particularly strong, with a winning percentage of 78.8%. However, his return games are not as reliable, with only a 21.7% success rate.
Breaking Down the Break Points
A breakdown of break-point opportunities shows that Hijikata has converted just 43% of them over the last year. Norrie, in contrast, is more successful at converting his break points, with a 33.8% conversion rate. This suggests that when they do meet, Norrie might have an edge on the crucial moments.
In conclusion, while Hijikata has managed to survive against some tough opponents, Norrie’s form and stats point towards a likely victory in this match. But sports are unpredictable, so keep your eyes peeled for any surprises.