Hijikata beats Djokovic to end ATP Finals hopes

Qualifier Rinky Hijikata beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the Paris Masters second round on November 4, ending Djokovic’s bid to qualify for the ATP Finals. The loss also concluded Djokovic’s 2026 season, according to match reports. Djokovic, a seven-time Paris champion, took the opening set but could not maintain his advantage as Hijikata raised his level. The Australian broke in the second set to force a decider, then broke again at 3-3 in the third before serving out the match. Hijikata, ranked 83rd, had entered the main draw through qualifying. The defeat eliminated Djokovic from contention for the eight-player season-ending tournament in Turin. Reports said he needed a deep run in Paris, with one describing a semifinal as the threshold. Earlier losses by several rivals had left a route open, but Djokovic’s own exit ended his chances. He had last missed the ATP Finals when fit in 2017, according to one account. After the match, Djokovic said he had been in control early but that Hijikata’s level and his own serving changed the contest. “He was just playing out of his mind, honestly,” Djokovic said, praising his opponent’s consistency and ability to keep the ball low....