Background on Rinky Hijikata’s Journey
Rinky Hijikata’s previous performance at Indian Wells included a second-round exit last year. This year, however, he has shown remarkable improvement, demonstrating his growth as a player on the ATP tour.
Breaking Development: A Historic Victory
In a stunning upset, Hijikata defeated Alexander Bublik in the second round of Indian Wells, marking his first top-10 victory. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Hijikata rallying from a set down to secure a 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-3 win.
During the match, Hijikata did not face a single break point against Bublik, showcasing his strong serving and tactical play. This victory is particularly significant as Hijikata had previously lost to Bublik at the Phoenix Challenger twelve months prior.
Continuing Momentum
Hijikata’s win over Bublik followed a victory against No.20 seed Luciano Darderi, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the tennis world. His current ATP ranking stands at World No.95, a notable improvement from his previous ranking of 106.
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, highlighting their remarkable achievements in the tournament.
Next Steps for Hijikata
Looking ahead, Hijikata is set to face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the next round. Observers are keen to see if he can maintain his momentum against a seasoned competitor.
Reflecting on his journey, Hijikata stated, “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 expressed excitement about his performance, saying, “He’s had a hell of a year, never easy to face so I’m just pumped to get through.”
As Hijikata continues his impressive run at Indian Wells, the tennis community is watching closely, eager to see how far he can go in this prestigious tournament.