Darderi Eliminated at Indian Wells as Sinner and Paolini Advance to Third Round

Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata has knocked world No. 21 Luciano Darderi out of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, staging a comeback to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and claiming his first career victory over a top-25 opponent. The defeat marks an early exit for the Italy-based player, who entered the California hardcourt event as the 20th seed.

Why This Matters

• Darderi's exit ends Italy's representation from a trio of players at the prestigious desert tournament, while Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini continue their campaigns in today's third-round matches.

• Hijikata, ranked 117th globally, had lost both previous meetings against Darderi in straight sets, making this turnaround victory a significant upset.

• Sinner faces Denis Shapovalov later Sunday in a match that will test Italy's top-ranked male player heading deeper into the draw.

Darderi's Tournament Ends Early

Luciano Darderi arrived in the Coachella Valley riding high after a strong clay-court swing in South America, including an ATP title in Santiago. Predictive models had given the Italian a 64% probability of advancing past Hijikata, yet the Australian qualifier had other plans.

After claiming the opening set 6-4, Darderi appeared poised to extend his momentum. But Hijikata raised his level in the second, breaking the Italian's rhythm and leveling the contest at one set apiece. The decisive third set saw the momentum swing in favor of the 117th-ranked Australian, who sealed the match 6-4 to reach the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career.

For Darderi, the loss represents a missed opportunity to build on his recent form and climb further up the ATP rankings. The 20th seed had received a first-round bye, meaning his tournament ended after just one match on court—a disappointing result for a player who had shown promise on slower surfaces in recent weeks.

Hijikata's Breakthrough Performance

The victory carries extra significance for Rinky Hijikata, who had to navigate the qualifying rounds just to reach the main draw. His previous encounters with Darderi—at the 2024 French Open and 2024 US Open—had both ended in straight-set defeats, establishing a 2-0 head-to-head advantage for the Italian.

Turning that deficit into a win on the fast courts of Indian Wells demonstrates the Australian's adaptability and mental fortitude. Hijikata now faces either Alexander Bublik or Vit Kopriva in the next round, with a genuine chance to extend his run at one of tennis's most prestigious venues.

Sinner and Paolini Push Forward

With Darderi eliminated, Italy's campaign rests with the country's top two players. Jannik Sinner, the tournament's second seed and world No. 2, delivered a commanding performance in his opening match, dispatching Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina 6-1, 6-1 in just 64 minutes on March 7. The clinical display showcased the form that has made Sinner one of the sport's most consistent performers.

His third-round clash with Denis Shapovalov promises to be a far sterner test. The two players hold a 1-1 career record against each other, adding an element of unpredictability to Sunday's encounter. Shapovalov's aggressive left-handed game and powerful serve could pose problems on the quick Indian Wells surface, making this a competitive match for the Italian star.

The Italian Presence at Indian Wells

Darderi's early exit underscores the challenges Italian players face transitioning from clay to hardcourts. While Italy has enjoyed a golden era in men's tennis thanks largely to Sinner's rise, developing consistent depth remains an ongoing focus.

On the women's side, Jasmine Paolini—the world No. 7 and tournament's 7th seed—has already demonstrated the resilience needed for deep tournament runs. Her comeback victory over Anastasia Potapova (6-7(0), 6-2, 6-3) on March 7 showcased her mental toughness after losing a disastrous first-set tiebreak without winning a single point.

Paolini converted 7 of 17 break-point opportunities and saved 8 of 11 against her, displaying the kind of tenacity required in demanding matches. She faces Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round, with a realistic chance to advance further if she maintains that level.

The Road Ahead

The BNP Paribas Open, running through March 15, 2026, remains wide open in both draws. Sinner's side of the bracket offers pathways to the semifinals, but the fast conditions and unpredictable desert winds can favor big servers and aggressive baseliners—precisely the profiles of players who have troubled him in the past.

For those following Italian tennis, the coming days will determine whether this edition of Indian Wells becomes a strong showing or a missed opportunity. With Darderi's tournament concluded, the weight now shifts entirely to Sinner and Paolini to deliver results under the California sun.