Rinky Hijikata Shines at Indian Wells with Historic Win
Rinky Hijikata’s journey at the Indian Wells tournament has been marked by significant achievements, particularly following his previous performance where he exited in the second round last year. This year, he has made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.
On March 10, 2026, Hijikata faced off against Alexander Bublik, the tenth seed in the tournament, in a match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes. In a thrilling contest, Hijikata emerged victorious with a score of 6-7(3), 7-6(3), 6-3. This victory not only represents his first win over a top-10 player but also marks a significant milestone as he reaches the fourth round of an ATP 1000 event for the first time in his career.
During the match, Hijikata demonstrated impressive resilience, notably not facing a single break point against Bublik. This performance stands in stark contrast to their previous encounter at the Phoenix Challenger, where Hijikata had lost to Bublik just twelve months prior. Following his victory over Bublik, Hijikata had already secured a win against No. 20 seed Luciano Darderi, further establishing his presence in the tournament.
With this win, Hijikata’s ATP ranking improved from No. 62 to No. 95, reflecting his upward trajectory in the competitive world of professional tennis. Additionally, he and Talia Gibson made history as the first male-female qualifying pair from the same country to reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells since 1999, highlighting a significant achievement in the tournament’s history.
In the same tournament, fellow player Alex de Minaur faced a setback, losing to Cameron Norrie with a score of 6-4, 6-4. As the tournament progresses, Hijikata is set to face Norrie in the next round, a matchup that promises to be another exciting chapter in his burgeoning career.
Reflecting on his performance, Hijikata expressed his satisfaction with the match, 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 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.” He also noted the unusual nature of the match, remarking, “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point.”
As Hijikata prepares for his upcoming match against Norrie, the tennis community is eager to see how he will build on this momentum. Observers anticipate that his recent success could be a turning point in his career, potentially leading to more significant achievements in the future. Details remain unconfirmed about the specifics of his next match, but the excitement surrounding Hijikata’s performance continues to grow.
