Rinky Hijikata’s journey at the Indian Wells tournament has been remarkable, especially considering his previous encounter with Alexander Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months ago, where he faced defeat. This year, however, Hijikata turned the tables in a thrilling second-round match.
Breaking Development
On March 10, 2026, Hijikata achieved a significant milestone by defeating Bublik, the No. 10 seed, in a closely contested match that ended with scores of 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3. This victory marks Hijikata’s first win against a top-10 player, showcasing his growth and resilience on the court.
Notably, Hijikata rallied from a set down and impressively did not face a single break point during the match, a feat he highlighted by saying, “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point.” His ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as he navigated through the tight sets.
After the match, Hijikata expressed his excitement, stating, “Obviously, he’s a quality player. He’s had a hell of a year, never easy to face so I’m just pumped to get through.” His performance not only secured him a spot in the next round but also elevated him to world No. 95 in the ATP rankings.
What Comes Next
Hijikata’s victory over Bublik followed his earlier win against No. 20 seed Luciano Darderi, and he is now set to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round. This matchup promises to be another challenging test for Hijikata, who is the only male qualifier to reach the third round at Indian Wells.
Additionally, Hijikata and fellow qualifier Talia Gibson have made history as the first male-female qualifying pair from the same country to reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells since 1999, a testament to their outstanding performances.
As observers look ahead, Hijikata’s impressive run at Indian Wells continues to draw attention, with many eager to see how far he can advance in the tournament.
