Rinky Hijikata upsets Novak Djokovic at the Rolex Paris Masters
Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Wednesday, ending the Serbian’s pursuit of the Nitto ATP Finals, SPORT reported. Hijikata, ranked 83rd in the world, overcame the seven-time champion with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback victory in a match lasting two hours and 14 minutes, according to the ATP Tour.
The loss mathematically eliminates Djokovic from the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, the season-ending tournament held from November 15 to 22. To qualify for the event, which features the top eight players of the season, the 39-year-old Serbian needed to reach at least the semifinals in Paris, ESPN Deportes noted. This marks the first time since 2017 that the 24-time Grand Slam winner has failed to qualify for the year-end championships, Reforma reported.
Djokovic loses mathematical chance for Turin qualification
Djokovic entered the tournament ranked 11th in the Race and required a deep run to secure one of the remaining qualification spots. With Jannik Sinner (No. 2) sidelined due to injury, the ninth position in the standings would have guaranteed entry, but the defeat to Hijikata has removed all remaining mathematical possibilities, Excélsior reported. The race for the final two spots has now been reduced to four players.
World No. 83 Rinky Hijikata knocks Novak Djokovic out of the Paris Masters! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HEJ9b9Qdr3
While American Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar have already been eliminated in Paris, they currently hold qualifying positions. The competition for the final seats remains open for Taylor Fritz, who must reach the semifinals to overtake Jodar, and Tommy Paul, who would need to reach the final, according to tournament standings analysis provided by the ATP Tour.
Following the match, Djokovic addressed the media in the mixed zone, stating his intention to rest, according to Excélsior.
Hijikata overcomes early dominance to secure comeback win
The match began with Djokovic asserting his historical dominance on the Paris indoor courts. He took the opening set 6-2, utilizing his service and controlling long baseline exchanges, according to Excélsior. However, Hijikata, who had previously defeated Valentin Vacherot in the first round, began to find his rhythm through a combination of solidity and aggression, ESPN Deportes reported.
The momentum shifted in the second set when the Australian broke Djokovic’s serve to lead 5-3 before closing the set 6-3, according to Excélsior. Hijikata maintained this pressure in the third set, securing another break to seal the 6-3 victory. The ATP Tour noted that Hijikata utilized an offensive arsenal to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm during baseline rallies.
This victory is the biggest of the 25-year-old Australian's career. Hijikata has now reached the round of 16 in an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the second time this year, following his run at Indian Wells. He also becomes the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic during the current season, the ATP Tour reported.
A challenging season for the Serbian veteran
The defeat in Paris serves as a premature end to a season marked by physical struggles for Djokovic. Excélsior reported that the player dealt with various health issues throughout 2026, including episodes of vomiting, cramps, and pain in his back and shoulder, particularly in high heat and humidity.
Djokovic’s 2026 campaign included several deep runs and one title, according to tournament records:
- Australian Open: Finalist
- China Open: Champion (102nd career title)
- Wimbledon: Semifinalist
- US Open: First Round
- Shanghai Masters: Second Round
- Basel: Second Round
- Rolex Paris Masters: Second Round
Djokovic had not competed on the indoor courts in Paris since his seventh title win at the tournament in 2023. Before this loss, he held 51 victories at the event and had only lost in the round of 16 on three occasions in his 18 appearances, according to tournament statistics reported by SPORT.
Hijikata advances to face Etcheverry
Hijikata’s victory moves him into the third round, where he will face Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry. Etcheverry secured his place in the next round by defeating Alex de Miñaur with a 7-6 (2), 6-3 scoreline, marking his first career win against a Top 10 player, according to ESPN Deportes.
For Hijikata, the win represents his 17th ATP victory of the season, the highest total in his career to date, the ATP Tour reported. His performance follows a season where he has also secured notable wins against Alexander Bublik, Lehecka, and Luciano Darderi.
Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata stuns seven-time Paris Masters champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the last 16 and officially eliminate the legend from the Race to Turin. 🚨😳 inside the giant-killing upset: – World No. 83 Rinky Hijikata rallied from a set down…
Novak Djokovic misses Nitto ATP Finals after Paris Masters loss
Why was the Paris Masters result critical for Novak Djokovic?
Djokovic needed to reach the semifinals in Paris to secure enough points to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. His loss to Rinky Hijikata mathematically eliminated him from the race for the top eight players of the season, according to ESPN Deportes and Reforma.
Who is Rinky Hijikata’s next opponent?
Hijikata will play against Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the third round. Etcheverry advanced to the match after defeating Alex de Miñaur, as reported by the ATP Tour.
When do the Nitto ATP Finals take place?
The season-ending tournament is scheduled to be held in Turin from November 15 to November 22, 2026, according to Reforma.
Tomás Martín Etcheverry is scheduled to face Rinky Hijikata in the next round of the Rolex Paris Masters.
Wow. Rinky Hijikata comes back to beat 7-time champ Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the last 16 in Paris. Djokovic is ELIMINATED from the Race to Turin. Hijikata vs. Etcheverry R16. What even is this tournament! pic.twitter.com/d9V1WwhVw6
