Defending champion Denis Shapovalov will open his 2026 ATP Los Cabos Open campaign against Australian Rinky Hijikata in the round of 32 on July 29.
The Canadian star returns to the ATP 250 hard-court event in Mexico aiming to retain the title he won during his debut appearance in 2025.
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Shapovalov's Strong Record
Shapovalov has never lost a first-round match in Los Cabos. He also holds an undefeated career record against Hijikata, having previously beaten him on a hard surface.
Analytical simulations from Stats Insider give Shapovalov a 60 percent probability of winning the opening matchup.
Predictive models by Dimers also project the former champion as the likely victor.
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Hijikata's Challenge
Hijikata recently exited in the first round at Wimbledon.
He previously competed at the Los Cabos event in 2022, 2023, and 2024 but failed to advance past the second round in any of those appearances.
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The match precedes upcoming major hard-court events, including two Masters 1000 tournaments and the US Open.
