Rinky Hijikata’s previous performance at Indian Wells included a second-round exit last year. This year, however, he has made a remarkable turnaround, showcasing his skills on a larger stage.
Breaking Development
On March 10, 2026, Hijikata defeated Alexander Bublik in the second round of Indian Wells, achieving his first victory over a top-10 player. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Hijikata rallying from a set down to secure a 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3 win. Notably, he did not face a single break point during the match, demonstrating his strong service game.
This victory is particularly significant as Hijikata had previously lost to Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months ago. Following his win against Bublik, Hijikata had also secured a victory over No.20 seed Luciano Darderi, further solidifying his position in the tournament.
After the match, Hijikata expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, 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 the challenge posed by Bublik, saying, “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 observed Bublik’s recent performance, indicating his respect for the opponent’s game.
With this victory, Hijikata has advanced to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round. His current ranking stands at World No.95, a notable improvement from his previous ranking of 106. Additionally, Hijikata 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 feat that highlights their exceptional talent.
As observers look forward to Hijikata’s upcoming match against Norrie, they anticipate a competitive showdown. Hijikata’s impressive run at Indian Wells, having gone through qualifying to reach the round of 32, has certainly captured the attention of tennis fans and analysts alike.
