Djokovic’s Paris Loss Knocks Him Out of ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic's Paris Masters loss has eliminated him from ATP Finals contention.

The Serbian star fell in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters to qualifier Rinky Hijikata, a 24-year-old Australian ranked No. 83 in the world.

The defeat means Djokovic will not qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin this year.

It is only the second time in 20 years that he has failed to make the field.

The last time was in 2017, when he ended his season early due to a right elbow injury.

Djokovic has qualified for every other ATP Finals since his debut at the event in 2007 at age 20.

He holds the record for most titles at the year-end championship with seven wins.

Those titles came in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022 and 2023.

He also qualified through rankings in 2024 and 2025 but withdrew both times due to injury.

The match against Hijikata started exactly as expected.

Djokovic took the first set 6-2, looking like the dominant player who had just won his seventh China Open title in Beijing.

But Hijikata mounted a massive comeback, taking the next two sets 6-3, 6-3.

"He was switched on," Djokovic said in his post-match interview.

"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 played really amazing tennis and it was my fault to let the control of the match go."

The loss came at a critical moment in the ATP calendar.

Djokovic needed only to reach the semifinals in Paris to secure one of the last qualifying spots for the ATP Finals.

Instead, his season ends earlier than nearly every other top ATP player.

With the Paris Masters still ongoing, Djokovic is now looking ahead to an extended break.

"Just rest," he said when asked about his plans for the next few weeks.

"I'm looking forward to it."

The extra time off could become an advantage for the 39-year-old.

He will have more time to rest, train and strategize with his team before the 2027 season begins.

The first major tournament of the new season is the Australian Open, which happens to be Djokovic's best Grand Slam.

He has won the Australian Open a record 11 times, with his last title there in 2023.

He also made the final this past year, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.

The extra preparation time could prove valuable as he faces a mixed men's field that includes younger champions like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, continues his Paris Masters campaign after receiving a walkover into the quarterfinals.