Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Rinky Hijikata Prediction & Picks - ATP Houston
ATP - ATP Houston
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by Bradley Gibbs | in Tennis Picks
Another of the US contingent ready for clay-court action in Houston, Texas this week is Aleksandar Kovacevic, who'll be up against a familiar opponent in Rinky Hijiakata. Kovacevic, who is now ranked as the world number 92, has previously faced the Australian four times, winning each of the last three renewals of this match. When the pair last met, the American competitor won in straight sets, so do not be surprised if the Aussie struggles on Monday.
Kovacevic made a pleasing appearance in Houston last year, reaching the quarterfinals, losing to eventual tournament winner Jenson Brooksby in three sets. That is the type of form that makes him a threat this week. In contrast, Hijikate exited this tournament at the first-round stage a year ago, which doesn't exactly point towards incoming success against a player who has clearly had the edge over the world number 98 in the past.
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Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Rinky Hijikata Form
Aleksandar Kovacevic and Rinky Hijikata Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Mar 20, 2026 - ATP Miami
Mar 9, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 7, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 5, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Feb 25, 2026 - ATP Acapulco Open
Feb 23, 2026 - ATP Acapulco Open
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Mar 17, 2026 - ATP Miami
Mar 16, 2026 - ATP Miami
Mar 11, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 9, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 7, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 5, 2026 - ATP Indian Wells
Aleksandar Kovacevic - Rinky Hijikata Key Points
- When the pair last met, Aleksandar Kovacevic won in straight sets.
- Aleksandar Kovacevic has won each of his last three matches against Rinky Hijikata.
- In 2025, Aleksandar Kovacevic reached the quarter finals of this event, losing only to the tournament winner.
- At this tournament a year ago, Rinky Hijikata lost in the first round.
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Our Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Rinky Hijikata Prediction
Neither player comes into this match in overly amazing form, but as the early market rightly suggests, this is clearly a sizable opportunity for the American, who knows what it takes to beat Rinky Hijikata. Kovacevic also knows what it takes to play well in Houston, having done just that a year ago.
-189 is by no means an exciting price, but it is probably bigger than it should be, let's be honest. Given his excellent record against Hijikata and the fact that he enjoyed the Houston conditions last year, Kovacevic should be a slightly stronger favorite, so there's value on offer.
Our Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Rinky Hijikata Pick: Aleksandar Kovacevic to Win.
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