Mattia Bellucci advanced to the Round of 16 at ATP Acapulco with a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Rinky Hijikata on February 25, 2026. The Italian edged a tight first set in a tiebreak before dominating the second behind aggressive serving and clinical break point conversion.
The opening set lived on serve until the tiebreak, where Bellucci’s six aces proved the difference. After securing the breaker 7-5, he seized control in the second set, breaking Hijikata’s serve three times while the Australian’s error count spiraled—36 unforced errors to Bellucci’s 22 ultimately decided the contest. Despite Hijikata producing more winners (23 to 16), his five double faults and inability to hold serve in the second set left him chasing shadows on the hard court.
Bellucci closed out the match converting 6 of his 10 break point opportunities, while Hijikata managed just 4 of 7. The disparity on second serve proved pivotal: Bellucci won 43% of those points compared to Hijikata’s meager 29%, a 14-percentage-point chasm that sealed the Australian’s fate.
Key Takeaways
- Bellucci’s serving prowess was decisive: 6 aces to Hijikata’s 1, giving the Italian free points at crucial moments and helping him navigate a tight first set.
- Second serve efficiency separated the two players. Bellucci won 43% of second serve points while Hijikata managed just 29%, a 14-point gulf that exposed the Australian’s vulnerability under pressure.
- Hijikata’s unforced error count undermined his aggressive play. Though he struck 23 winners to Bellucci’s 16, his 36 errors (compared to Bellucci’s 22) handed the Italian numerous cheap points.
- Break point conversion told the story: Bellucci cashed in 6 of 10 chances (60%) while Hijikata could only manage 4 of 7 (57%), but crucially lost his serve three times in the second set to lose momentum.
Player Analysis
Mattia Bellucci
The Italian played percentage tennis when it mattered most, leveraging his serve as a primary weapon throughout. Six aces provided a cushion in tight service games, and his tiebreak execution in the first set demonstrated composure under pressure. More impressively, Bellucci’s ability to win 43% of second serve points—respectable given Hijikata’s aggression—kept break points manageable. His conversion rate of 6 from 10 break opportunities showed clinical finishing, particularly in the second set where he broke three times to pull away.
While his winner count lagged Hijikata’s, Bellucci’s discipline kept unforced errors to 22, allowing him to construct points without self-destruction. The stat line reveals a player who controlled the match tempo through smart serving and opportunistic return play rather than flashy shotmaking.
Rinky Hijikata
The Australian’s aggressive approach produced 23 winners but came at a steep cost: 36 unforced errors painted a picture of boom-or-bust tennis that ultimately failed. Five double faults compounded his struggles, particularly damaging given his modest 48% first serve percentage. When Hijikata did land first serves, he was effective (72% points won), but his second serve was ruthlessly exploited—winning just 29% of those points left him perpetually vulnerable.
The second set collapse exposed Hijikata’s inability to adjust tactically. After a competitive opening set, he gifted Bellucci three service breaks through a combination of errors and passive court positioning. While his shot-making flashed potential, the fundamentals—serve consistency, error management, break point defense—weren’t there when the match tightened.
Match Statistics
| Mattia Bellucci | Stat | Rinky Hijikata |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Aces | 1 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 53% | 1st Serve % | 48% |
| 74% | 1st Serve Points Won | 72% |
| 43% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 29% |
| 6/10 | Break Points Won | 4/7 |
| 16 | Winners | 23 |
| 22 | Unforced Errors | 36 |
| 78 | Total Points Won | 67 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Mattia Bellucci vs Rinky Hijikata at ATP Acapulco 2026?
Mattia Bellucci defeated Rinky Hijikata 7-6(5), 6-3 in the Round of 32 at ATP Acapulco on February 25, 2026.
How many aces did Bellucci hit against Hijikata in Acapulco?
Mattia Bellucci struck 6 aces compared to Rinky Hijikata’s 1 ace during their first-round match.
What was the break point conversion for Bellucci vs Hijikata?
Bellucci converted 6 of 10 break point opportunities (60%), while Hijikata won 4 of 7 break points (57%).
How many unforced errors did Rinky Hijikata make against Bellucci?
Rinky Hijikata committed 36 unforced errors compared to Mattia Bellucci’s 22 in their ATP Acapulco match.
What’s Next
Bellucci advances to the Round of 16 at ATP Acapulco, where he will look to build on this solid baseline performance. The victory marks progress on hard courts for the Italian, who will need to maintain his serving consistency and break point sharpness against tougher opposition in the next round.
Head-to-head history: Mattia Bellucci vs Rinky Hijikata.
