Hijikata Stuns Bublik, Charges into Historic Indian Wells Fourth Round

The unseeded Australian qualifier records the biggest win of his career, setting up a Round of 16 clash with Cameron Norrie on Wednesday.

INDIAN WELLS, California – Rinky Hijikata has authored the most significant chapter of his young career at the BNP Paribas Open, stunning world No. 10 Alexander Bublik to reach the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time.

The 25-year-old from Sydney, ranked No. 117, battled past the tenth seed 6-7(6), 7-6(6), 6-3 in a thrilling third-round encounter that featured moments of high drama, including a spectacular running forehand winner from Hijikata that was featured as an ATP Hot Shot. The victory marks Hijikata’s first-ever win over a top-10 opponent.

“It’s definitely the biggest win of my career, no question,” Hijikata said following the match. “To do it here at Indian Wells, to come through qualifying and keep going… it’s an amazing feeling.”

His path to the last 16 saw him first navigate the qualifying rounds, then defeat Peru’s Ignacio Buse and Italy’s Luciano Darderi – the latter match ending in controversy with a ‘hindrance’ call against Darderi on match point – before his landmark triumph over Bublik.

The result ensures the Australian flag continues to fly in the California desert, albeit as a solo act after compatriot and higher-ranked hope Alex de Minaur suffered a shock earlier exit. “It’s bittersweet for Australia today,” Hijikata noted. “I wanted to keep our run going after Demon’s loss.”

The reward for his efforts is a daunting but winnable clash against 29th-ranked Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 March 2026 (6:00 PM local time). Norrie holds a 2-0 career advantage over Hijikata.

Rinky Hijikata at a Glance:

  • Age & Nationality: 25 (born 23 February 2001), Australian
  • Plays: Right-handed
  • Career-High Singles Ranking: World No. 62 (achieved 26 August 2024)
  • Career-High Doubles Ranking: World No. 23 (October 2023)
  • Notable Result: Reached the fourth round of the 2023 US Open
  • 2026 Indian Wells Run: Qualified, then defeated Buse, Darderi, and No. 10 Bublik to reach first ATP 1000 fourth round.

A victory over Norrie would see Hijikata advance to a potential quarter-final against the winner of the match between top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, a prospect that underscores the magnitude of his current run.

Canada Wire – Sports Desk
Reporting on international sporting achievement.