Rinky Hijikata’s previous performance at Indian Wells included a second-round exit last year. This year, he has shown significant improvement, making a strong statement in the tournament.
Breaking Development
In a remarkable turnaround, Hijikata defeated Alexander Bublik in the second round of Indian Wells, marking his first top-10 victory. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Hijikata rallying from a set down to win 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3. Notably, he did not face a break point during the match, showcasing his strong service game.
Hijikata’s victory is particularly significant as he had previously lost to Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months prior. This win follows his earlier success against No.20 seed Luciano Darderi, further solidifying his position in the tournament.
After the match, Hijikata expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It was a bloody tough second round of a Challenger last year, and I’m glad we could play in the second week here this year.” He acknowledged Bublik’s strong performance throughout the year, adding, “He’s had a hell of a year, never easy to face so I’m just pumped to get through.” Hijikata also noted that he had watched part of Bublik’s earlier match, indicating his respect for his opponent’s skills.
With this victory, Hijikata’s ATP ranking has improved to World No. 95. He and 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 notable achievement in the tournament’s history.
Looking ahead, Hijikata will face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round, a matchup that promises to be another challenging encounter for the rising star. Observers are keen to see how Hijikata will perform against a seasoned competitor like Norrie.
Hijikata is enjoying an impressive run at Indian Wells, having gone through qualifying to reach the round of 32. His journey continues to attract attention as he aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
