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Alexander Bublik vs Rinky Hijikata Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Hijikata aiming for first top 10 win
In an exciting third-round match at the Indian Wells Masters, Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata is set to challenge World No. 10 Alexander Bublik. Hijikata, who has showcased remarkable form by defeating top 20 player Luciano Darderi, is aiming for his career-best win against a top 10 opponent. Hijikata's strategy focuses on using his speed and consistency to exploit Bublik's known vulnerabilities, as Bublik has struggled against players outside the top 100. The match promises strategic gameplay with Hijikata eyeing a set win if not more. Hijikata remains the underdog but is potentially the surprise victor.
- Alexander Bublik vs Rinky Hijikata predictions for Monday's ATP Indian Wells R3 match
- Bublik has lost three of his last five matches vs players outside the top 100
- Hijikata in some career-best form in the desert, coming off a win over 20th seed
- The match is scheduled to start around 7.00am AEDT on Tuesday March 10
Expired
Rinky Hijikata (Photo by Getty Images)
Alexander Bublik vs Rinky Hijikata Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Aussie qualifier Rinky Hijkata will be searching for a career-best win when he faces World No. 10 Alexander Bublik in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday.
Hijikata struggled with niggling injuries and dropped out of the top 100 last year, but he's back to full fitness and absolutely flying at Indian Wells, where he's put together his best ever run at Masters 1000 level to reach the third round. Now, Hijikata will be looking to snap a 12-match losing run against top 10 opponents as he looks to keep his brilliant run in the Californian desert going.
Bublik certainly isn't the worst opponent for Hijikata here - the Kazakh remains a volatile presence on tour, despite obviously improving his consistency to enter the top 10. That being said, Bublik has lost three of his last five matches against players outside the top 100, so he's still vulnerable in these spots.
Hijikata played probably the best tennis I've ever seen from him in his previous round as he took the scalp of top 20 player and recent Santiago champion Luciano Darderi in three sets. Hijikata was a brick wall from the back of the court and his speed + movement frustrated the big-hitting Darderi into error. I expect a similar game plan against the same sort of opponent here and if Hijikata maintains his current level, I wouldn't rule out the upset.
Bublik vs Hijikata Stats & Trends
- Bublik has lost three of his last five matches vs players outside the top 100
- Bublik has is 0-2 vs players outside the top 100 at Indian Wells
- Bublik has dropped 1+ set in six of his last seven matches
- Hijikata is on a four-match winning streak from qualifying
- Hijikata claimed a career-best win over No. 20 Darderi in his previous round
Bublik vs Hijikata Head To Head
This will be the first tour-level meeting between the pair, but Bublik did claim a three-set win in the strong Phoenix Challenger in 2025.
| Year | Winner | Event | Round | Surface | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Alexander Bublik | Phoenix CH | Round of 16 | Outdoor Hard | 6–2, 5–7, 6–3 |
Alexander Bublik Form Analysis
- 2026 Record: 13-4
- ATP Indian Wells Record: 3-4
- Current Ranking: No. 10
- Career-High Ranking: No. 10 (Jan 2026)
Bublik's charge into the top 10 has been one of the more surprising storylines in tennis over the last six months.
Always one of the most enigmatic and inconsistent players on tour, Bublik has dialled in and found the required focus and training required to be the best version of himself on court.
The Kazakh claimed his ninth ATP title to launch the year in Hong Kong before making the R16 at the Australian Open and semi-finals of Rotterdam.
Bublik has slowed down a tad lately, suffering a second round loss to Tallon Griekspoor in Dubai, while he wasn't at his his best in a 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2 victory over Vit Kopriva in his Indian Wells opener, narrowly avoiding elimination in what was just his third ever main draw win at the tournament.
Rinky Hijikata Form Analysis
- 2026 Record: 5-6
- ATP Indian Wells Record: 4-2
- Current Ranking: No. 117
- Career-High Ranking: No. 62 (2024)
After battling some physical setbacks last year, Hijikata is intent on breaking back into the top 100 and surpassing that career-high mark of No. 62, which was achieved after reaching the fourth round of the US Open two years ago.
Hijikata loves American hardcourts and he's been playing some of his best tennis in the Coachella Valley over the last week.
Following a disappointing Aussie summer, Hijikata has hit his stride, qualifying for the main draw with wins over Leandro Riedi and Ignacio Buse before taking out Francesco Maestrelli and 20th seed Luciano Darderi for his best career run at Masters 1000 level.
“The most important thing is that my body is healthy at the moment – last year a bit of a struggle physically and it was tough to build momentum when you’re constantly stopping and starting," Hijikata said after his 4-6 6-2 6-4 win over Darderi.
"This season I’ve been able to spend a lot more time on court and improve my game."
Bublik vs Hijikata Live Stream
Watch and bet on Alexander Bublik vs Rinky Hijikata live tennis from Indian Wells.
You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > ATP Indian Wells with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.
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Verdict
Hijikata is backed to cover and take at least one set over a volatile Bublik - smaller stake on the outright upset.
Hijikata +4.5
Games Line
$1.80 - 2 Units
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