Alexander Bublik's Controversial Racket Smashing and Upside-Down Shot Shock Indian Wells Crowd Alexander Bublik erupted in frustration during his third-round match at the Indian Wells Masters, smashing his racket against the court five times after losing the second set to Rinky Hijikata. The 10th-seeded Kazakh had taken the first set via a tiebreak, but Hijikata mounted a comeback, securing the second set with a powerful smash. Bublik’s outburst drew mixed reactions from the crowd, with some gasping, others booing, and others cheering for his opponent. The moment, captured on video, became a focal point of the match’s drama. The match, which lasted two hours and 35 minutes, was marked by intense rallies and strategic play. After regaining composure, Bublik introduced another controversial tactic: an upside-down shot. Using the handle of his racket instead of the head, he won a critical point in the third game of the deciding set. The move, which has drawn criticism from traditional tennis fans, was first executed by Bublik in the 2022 Moselle Open final, where he faced backlash for what some viewed as mocking the sport. Despite the controversy, the crowd’s mixed response highlighted the polarizing nature of his style. Hijikata, the 24-year-old Australian, capitalized on Bublik’s frustration, eventually securing the match with an ace and a strong serve. The victory marked a breakthrough for Hijikata, who had previously lost 0-11 to top-10 players. This win also propelled him toward the top 100 world rankings and marked his first-ever victory against a top-10 opponent. Notably, Hijikata did not face a single break point during the match, a testament to his improved serve and mental resilience.#indian_wells_masters #alexander_bublik #cameron_norrie #rinky_hijikata #mark_draper
