Rinky Hijikata faced Alexander Bublik at the Indian Wells tournament, a rematch of sorts, as Hijikata had lost to Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months prior. This time, however, Hijikata was determined to turn the tables.
Breaking Development
In a thrilling second-round match, Hijikata rallied from a set down to defeat Bublik, the No.10 seed, with a score of 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3. This victory marks Hijikata’s first win against a top-10 player, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Remarkably, Hijikata did not face a single break point during the match, showcasing his strong performance and strategic play. He had previously secured a win against No.20 seed Luciano Darderi, further establishing his presence in the tournament.
Following the match, Hijikata expressed his disbelief at not facing a break point, stating, “It could be the first time in my life I didn’t face a break point.” He acknowledged the quality of Bublik’s game, 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.”
Hijikata’s victory is particularly noteworthy as he is the only male qualifier to reach the third round at Indian Wells, and 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 are keen to see how Hijikata will perform against a player of Norrie’s caliber, especially after 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, a testament to their exceptional talent and determination.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hijikata can continue his remarkable journey at Indian Wells.
