Novak Djokovic misses ATP Finals after stunning Paris Masters defeat to Rinky Hijikata

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters, with the Australian recovering from a set down to beat the seven-time champion 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. The result ends Djokovic's campaign in Paris earlier than expected and deals a major blow to his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.

The Serbian looked in control during the opening set, breaking Hijikata early and building a double-break advantage before closing it out 6-2. He created opportunities in almost every service game played by the Australian, while his own delivery largely kept him out of trouble. At that stage, there was little indication that the match would turn into one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Hijikata, however, gradually found his footing. The Australian became more competitive in the second set, matching Djokovic from the baseline and taking advantage when the Serbian's level dropped. A crucial break put him in front, and he eventually secured the set 6-3 to force a decider — the first time he had won a set against Djokovic in their career meetings.

The momentum continued into the third set. Djokovic initially kept himself ahead through solid serving, including a hold to love that took him to 2-1. He then earned three break points in Hijikata's next service game, but the Australian saved all three to level at 2-2. That escape proved important as the qualifier continued to withstand the pressure.

Djokovic remained unable to establish control in the deciding set. Both players held through the next games, with Hijikata refusing to give the former world No. 1 an easy route back into the match. At 3-3, the Australian found the breakthrough to move ahead 4-3, then consolidated the advantage to put himself one game away from victory.

Djokovic held serve to make it 5-3, but Hijikata had another opportunity to finish the match on return. He broke the Serbian for a second time in the closing stages of the set, sealing a 6-3 victory and completing a remarkable comeback.

For Hijikata, the result marks a significant breakthrough against one of the most successful players in tennis history. He recovered from a difficult opening set, saved three break points at a crucial stage of the decider and produced two late breaks to take the match away from Djokovic.

The defeat also carries major consequences for Djokovic's season. The Serbian arrived in Paris needing a deep run to strengthen his position in the ATP Finals race. With Alex de Minaur already eliminated by Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Djokovic had a clearer route towards qualification, but his own early exit means he cannot collect the points required to improve his standing.

The Paris Masters had offered Djokovic an opportunity to secure his place among the season's leading players. Instead, Hijikata's comeback ends his campaign in the French capital and leaves his participation in the ATP Finals in serious doubt.