Rinky Hijikata’s previous performance at Indian Wells included a second-round exit last year. This year, however, he has made a significant impact by advancing further in the tournament.
Breaking Development
On March 10, 2026, Hijikata achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating Alexander Bublik, the 10th seed, in the second round of Indian Wells. This victory marks Hijikata’s first win against a top-10 player, showcasing his growth and resilience on the court.
Hijikata rallied from a set down to secure the win with a score of 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3. Notably, he did not face a single break point during the match, demonstrating his strong service game.
Reflecting on his performance, Hijikata stated, “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 expressed excitement about overcoming 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’s victory follows a previous win against No.20 seed Luciano Darderi, marking a significant turnaround from his last encounter with Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months prior, where he faced defeat.
With this victory, Hijikata is now ranked World No.95 in the ATP rankings and has made history alongside Talia Gibson as the first male-female qualifying pair from the same country to reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells since 1999. He is set to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round, which promises to be another challenging match.
As observers look ahead, Hijikata’s impressive run at Indian Wells has garnered attention, with many noting his ability to overcome obstacles and perform under pressure. His journey continues to unfold as he aims for further success in the tournament.
