Rinky Hijikata (NSW) and Maddison Inglis (WA) are the 2024 City of Playford Tennis International champions after taking out the singles titles in Elizabeth East, South Australia today.
No.1 seed Hijikata defeated Japan’s Yuta Shimizu 6-4 7-6[4] in a battle that lasted just over two hours to be crowned the Men’s Singles Champion of the City of Playford Tennis International for the second time.
“It was a tough final,” Hijikata admitted.
“I’m just glad to get through it and happy to be back at Playford. I actually won my first challenger title here two years ago so I love coming back, seems to be a great place for me.
“Thank you to everyone who put the tournament on, it was a great crowd out here today” Hijikata finished.
On the women’s side, Western Australian No.3 seed Maddison Inglis took home the champion title in a three-set thriller that lasted just shy of three hours. Inglis dominated in the third set to defeat Japanese opponent and No.5 seed Himeno Sakatsume 7-6[7] 5-7 6-1.
“That was such a tough match, we always have such tough matches”, Inglis exclaimed.
“I had to play some of my best tennis to beat [Sakatsume], she’s playing unbelievable so I was lucky to bring some of my best tennis today, I think in a very long time, so I’m super happy with that.
“I always love coming back to Playford and I find I play some really good tennis here” Inglis said.
We express our deepest thanks to the City of Playford for their ongoing support in this tournament.
“On behalf of the City of Playford, I extend my congratulations to the winners of the 2024 City of Playford Tennis International, Rinky Hijikata and Maddison Inglis,” said City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty.
“Council takes great pride in hosting this prestigious event at the Playford Tennis Centre, supporting a tournament that serves as a launching pad for many world-class athletes who aspire to reach the heights of grand slam success.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for the Playford community, and I was delighted to see so many locals attend the Free Family Fun Day. The energy and excitement were palpable, as families and fans came together to celebrate this spectacular event. It was a fitting conclusion to a week of outstanding competition and entertainment.
“As we look forward to the upcoming summer of tennis, I wish all the participants from this year’s event every success in the future,” said the Mayor.
Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey is thrilled with the success of the 2024 tournament.
“It has been incredible to see so many people heading out to the Playford Tennis Centre this week to celebrate the amazing tennis on display. The atmosphere has been electric, and the community’s support has truly made this event special.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Playford for their unwavering support, as well as to Tennis Australia, the ITF, and the ATP tours for their collaboration with Tennis SA in delivering such an exceptional event.
“The Family Fun Day was a fantastic celebration of grassroots tennis, featuring engaging family activities and inclusion initiatives that allowed our community to come together and enjoy more than just the finals action. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and a shared love for the sport, and we can’t wait to build on this momentum as we lead in to the Adelaide International” said Sterrey.
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