Hijikata beats Djokovic, ending ATP Finals qualification bid

Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Masters, ending the Serbian’s chance to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. Hijikata, ranked 83rd, rallied for a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over the seven-time Paris champion on Wednesday, November 4. Djokovic took the opening set, but Hijikata levelled the match by breaking him in the eighth game of the second set and then serving it out. In the deciding set, Hijikata broke at 3-3 and again to close out the match. The result was Hijikata’s first win over Djokovic, after losing their two previous meetings in straight sets. Djokovic said he was disappointed after losing control of a match he felt he had dominated for a set and several games. He credited Hijikata’s play and said his own serving had declined in the second set. The 39-year-old said his plan for the next few weeks was to rest. The defeat ended Djokovic’s bid to reach the eight-player season-ending ATP Finals, which will be held in Turin from November 15 to 22. He needed a deep run in Paris to stay in contention. Earlier results had left an opportunity open, but the loss eliminated him from qualification. Djokovic has won the...