Djokovic loses in Paris but sets an epic age record

Novak Djokovic lost in Paris but leaves with a massive age record.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion returned to the Paris Masters for the first time in three years.

He was seeking another deep run at one of his most successful tournaments.

Instead, he suffered an early loss to Rinky Hijikata in the second round.

But before that defeat, Djokovic did something no player his age has ever done at this event.

He defeated Valentin Vacherot 6-7, 7-5, 6-1 in the first round.

That win made Djokovic the oldest player with a victory at the Paris Masters.

He was 39 years, 5 months and 13 days old when he stepped on court.

Jimmy Connors and Feliciano Lopez also won at this event after turning 39.

But both were younger than Djokovic at the time of their wins.

Thus, the Belgrade native added another record to his tally that will take some beating.

DJOKOVIC'S PARIS MASTERS TALLY

The Serbian has competed in the French capital 18 times.

He has collected almost every big record at the tournament.

Djokovic has won seven titles from nine finals at the Paris Masters.

He has won 51 of 61 encounters, dominating like no one before him.

The veteran returned to Paris after three years and faced Vacherot in the first round.

The Monegasque claimed the Basel crown a couple of days earlier.

He entered the clash with the legend with a boost.

Valentin claimed a tight opener and had a chance to seal the deal in straight sets.

However, the seven-time champion survived.

Djokovic claimed a late break to force a decider.

He gained a boost and dominated the final part of the duel.

He became the oldest winner in the Paris Masters history.

THE SECOND ROUND DEFEAT

Djokovic needed more victories to keep his ATP Finals chances alive.

But he fell to Rinky Hijikata in the second round from a set up.

The defeat came in two hours and 17 minutes, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

The veteran made a promising start and had the upper hand in the opening set.

Still, the seven-time champion failed to maintain that level.

Hijikata stepped in and embraced an aggressive approach.

He took charge from the second set and took the pivotal points.

He sent the 24-time Major winner packing.

Thus, Novak left Paris with another record at this event.

But without a chance to seek another deep run.

And without remaining in contention for Turin.

A SEASON OF EXTREMES

Djokovic wrapped up the season with two big results at Majors.

He stunned two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open.

He reached his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024.

He was within two sets of winning his 25th major in Melbourne.

He won the first set of the final against Carlos Alcaraz.

But Alcaraz fought back to inflict the first defeat on the Serbian this year.

Djokovic did not compete again until Indian Wells.

He reached the fourth round before losing in a thriller to Jack Draper.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion then began his clay court season at the Italian Open.

He suffered a shock defeat to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic.

It was a disappointing clay court swing for Djokovic.

He also suffered his earliest exit at Roland Garros for 17 years.

He was beaten by another young prospect in Joao Fonseca.

Djokovic then rediscovered some form at Wimbledon.

He reached the semi-finals for an eighth consecutive edition of the event.

He was beaten by the aforementioned Sinner.

It was then a North American hard court swing to forget.

He failed to win a single match at either the Cincinnati Open or the US Open.

Thiago Agustin Tirante beat the former world number one in Cincinnati.

Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam for the first time in 20 years at the US Open.

This was followed by Djokovic winning the China Open.

He beat Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur.

He continued his flawless record in Beijing and claimed his only title of the 2026 season.

Djokovic was then put in a strong position to qualify for the ATP Finals.

But he subsequently suffered defeats that ended his hopes.

THE FINAL NUMBERS

Djokovic lost 10 matches in 2026.

Hijikata was the final and lowest ranked to do so in the 2026 season.

Djokovic did not reach a Masters 1000 quarter-final for the first time in 21 years.

He competed at Indian Wells, the Italian Open, the Shanghai Masters and the Paris Masters this year.

He experienced his worst Masters 1000 campaign since 2005.

He hopes for a stronger run in 2027.

THE RECORD THAT STANDS

Despite the losses, the age record in Paris is a genuine milestone.

No player in the history of the Paris Masters had won a match at an older age.

At 39 years, 5 months and 13 days, Djokovic pushed the boundary.