Indian Wells Upset: Hijikata Advances
Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata stunned Alexander Bublik at Indian Wells after Bublik smashed his racket five times Indian Wells 2026 Day 6 Recap - Perfect Tennis Indian Wells star smashes racket five times, hits controversial shot — Hijikata faces Cameron Norrie next.
Bublik's frustration boiled over after losing a tight first set 7-5, leading to the racket smashing incident. He also played a bizarre underarm serve while down match point. Hijikata, currently ranked No. 94, capitalized on Bublik's meltdown and secured a 7-5, 6-4 victory. This marks a significant win for the young Australian player. Norrie will be a tough opponent for Hijikata, as he is currently ranked No. 31 and is a seasoned player. Their upcoming match will test Hijikata's ability to maintain composure and capitalize on opportunities against a more experienced competitor.
