Now Reading: Shock in Paris: Djokovic Stunned by Hijikata, ATP Finals Hopes Over
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Shock in Paris: Djokovic Stunned by Hijikata, ATP Finals Hopes Over
Novak Djokovic’s season has ended with a thud. The 39-year-old Serb crashed out of the Paris Masters in the second round, beaten by Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, and with it went his last chance of reaching the ATP Finals in Turin. It is a rare miss for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Hijikata Turns the Match on Its Head
Djokovic made a strong start and took the opening set 6-2. Then the match flipped. World number 83 Hijikata lifted his level at the end of the second set and carried that momentum through the decider.
Djokovic looked laboured and appeared to be struggling physically. A series of errors followed, and the 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat was sealed.
Djokovic’s Honest Assessment
The Serb was quick to credit his opponent, while also taking some of the blame himself.
“He was switched on, I wasn’t serving as well and he was just playing out of his mind, honestly. He was not missing and keeping the ball low and just a terrific performance.”
He added that he let control of the match slip. His plan for the coming weeks is simple: “just rest”, and he says he is looking forward to it.
A Rare Miss for Turin
Djokovic likely needed to reach the semi-finals in Paris to qualify. The draw had appeared to open up for him after two of his rivals for a place fell earlier in the day.
Instead, he has failed to qualify for the season-ending event for only the second time in the past 20 seasons when fit. He had not missed out when fit since 2017.
Turin would also have given him a chance to extend his record to an eighth ATP Finals title.
Who Is Still in the Race?
Only Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention for the final two places, currently held by Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar. Tiafoe lost 6-3 1-6 7-6 (11-9) to Frenchman Quentin Halys. Alex de Minaur also fell, going down 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Fritz survived a scare, winning a third-set tie-break to beat Alex Molcan 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 7-6 (7-5). Paul eased past Spain’s Daniel Merida 6-1 6-1.
More Upsets in Paris
It was a day of surprises. World number one Alexander Zverev lost in straight sets to Lorenzo Musetti. Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Peruvian Ignacio Buse, ranked 33rd. Both had already qualified for Turin.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Rinky Hijikata def. Novak Djokovic | 2-6 6-3 6-3 |
| Quentin Halys def. Frances Tiafoe | 6-3 1-6 7-6 (11-9) |
| Tomas Martin Etcheverry def. Alex de Minaur | 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 |
| Ignacio Buse def. Daniil Medvedev | 6-4 6-4 |
| Taylor Fritz def. Alex Molcan | 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 7-6 (7-5) |
| Tommy Paul def. Daniel Merida | 6-1 6-1 |
A Season That Faded Away
Djokovic’s year started brightly. He reached the Australian Open final at 38 and the Wimbledon semi-finals, where eventual champion Jannik Sinner outplayed him. Victory in Beijing meant he won at least one title for the 21st year in a row.
Beyond those highlights, results dipped. He lost in the third round of the French Open and the first round in New York. He failed to reach the quarter-finals in eight of his eleven tournaments, and has not reached a quarter-final at any Masters 1000 event this year.
What Comes Next?
His last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023. He played four tournaments after the US Open, despite admitting that only the Grand Slams really motivate him. That suggests he intends to attack the 2027 season.
The challenge is growing, though, with his 40th birthday approaching in May. A rest now, then a push at the Australian Open, looks like the next chapter.
