Rinky Hijikata Achieves Milestone Victory at Indian Wells
In a significant development at the Indian Wells tournament, Rinky Hijikata has secured a remarkable victory against Alexander Bublik, ranked No. 10 in the world. This match, held on March 10, 2026, saw Hijikata triumph with a score of 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3, marking his first win over a top-10 player in his career. This victory not only elevates Hijikata’s status in the tennis world but also showcases his growth as a player since his previous performance at Indian Wells, where he faced a second-round exit last year.
Hijikata’s journey to this victory was not without challenges. The match against Bublik lasted two hours and 35 minutes, during which Hijikata displayed remarkable resilience and skill. Notably, he did not face a single break point throughout the match, a feat he described as potentially unprecedented in his career. “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point,” Hijikata remarked, highlighting the significance of his performance.
Prior to facing Bublik, Hijikata had already secured a victory against No. 20 seed Luciano Darderi, further establishing his capability to compete against higher-ranked players. His win over Bublik also marks his entry into the fourth round of an ATP 1000 event for the first time, a milestone that underscores his rising trajectory in professional tennis.
Reflecting on his match against Bublik, Hijikata expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “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.” This sentiment resonates with the challenges he faced, especially considering he had previously lost to Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger just twelve months ago.
In addition to his individual success, Hijikata’s achievement is notable for another reason. He and fellow Australian Talia Gibson have become the first male-female qualifying pair from the same country to reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells since 1999. This historic milestone adds to the significance of Hijikata’s performance, as it highlights a moment of national pride in Australian tennis.
As Hijikata prepares for his next challenge, he is set to face Cameron Norrie in the upcoming round. Norrie, who recently defeated Alex de Minaur 6-4 6-4, will present a formidable challenge for Hijikata. Observers are keen to see how Hijikata’s newfound momentum will play out against Norrie, who is known for his competitive edge on the court.
With his current ATP ranking moving from No. 62 to No. 95 following this victory, Hijikata’s performance at Indian Wells has certainly captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts. His ability to secure two wins over Top 25 players in one tournament is a testament to his growing prowess and determination in the sport.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Hijikata will continue to perform. His recent successes have set high expectations, and the upcoming match against Norrie will be a crucial test of his skills and resolve. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specifics of his training and preparation for this next challenge, but the tennis community is abuzz with anticipation.