Rinky Hijikata’s journey at Indian Wells has been noteworthy, especially considering his previous encounter with Alexander Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger last year, where he faced defeat. This year, however, Hijikata has turned the tables, showcasing significant improvement in his game.
Breaking Development
On March 10, 2026, Rinky Hijikata achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating Alexander Bublik, the No. 10 seed, in the second round of Indian Wells. This victory marks Hijikata’s first win against a top-10 player, as he rallied from a set down to secure the match with a score of 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3.
During the match, Hijikata displayed impressive resilience, not facing a single break point against Bublik. His performance was characterized by fewer unforced errors, totaling 21 less than his opponent, which contributed to his success.
After the match, Hijikata expressed his surprise at not facing a break point, stating, “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point.” He also acknowledged Bublik’s quality as a player, saying, “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.”
Next Steps
Hijikata’s victory over Bublik follows his earlier win against No. 20 seed Luciano Darderi, and he is now the only male qualifier to reach the third round at Indian Wells. He has risen to world No. 95 in the ATP rankings as a result of his performance.
Looking ahead, Hijikata is set to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round. Observers note that this matchup will be a significant test for Hijikata as he continues his impressive run in the tournament.
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, further highlighting the significance of Hijikata’s achievements this year.
