Rinky Hijikata entered the Indian Wells tournament with a notable history, having lost to Alexander Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months prior. This context set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Breaking Development
In a stunning turn of events, Hijikata defeated Bublik, the No. 10 seed, in the second round of Indian Wells, marking his first top-10 victory. The match showcased Hijikata’s resilience as he rallied from a set down to win 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3.
Remarkably, Hijikata did not face a single break point during the match, a feat he noted, saying, “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point.” This performance followed his earlier victory against No. 20 seed Luciano Darderi.
After the match, Hijikata expressed his excitement, 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.” His victory has been celebrated as a significant milestone in his career.
What Comes Next
With this win, Hijikata has become the only male qualifier to reach the third round at Indian Wells. He is set to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round, a matchup that promises to be challenging.
Hijikata’s success at the tournament has also led to a rise in his ATP ranking, now sitting at No. 95. Furthermore, he 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.
As observers look forward to Hijikata’s next match, they note the potential for further breakthroughs in his burgeoning career. His impressive run at Indian Wells has certainly captured the attention of the tennis community.
