Novak Djokovic's 2026 season has come to a sudden end with a second-round exit at the Paris Masters. The 10th seed lost 2-6 6-3 6-3 to qualifier Rinky Hijikata, who at No. 83 in the world became the lowest-ranked man to beat Djokovic this year. The defeat also means the Serbian cannot qualify for the ATP Finals.
Match Details
Djokovic had impressed in his opening match on Tuesday, coming back from a set and break down to beat Basel champion Valentin Vacherot in three sets. However, on Wednesday he could not hold on to his lead after racing through the first set.
The seven-time former champion in Paris saved a break point in a lengthy game early in the second set, but he eventually succumbed to Hijikata a few games later, with the qualifier breaking before serving out the set.
Season Record
Hijikata raised his level significantly in the second set, hitting 18 winners, 14 on the forehand wing, and recording a rating of 9.5 out of 10 for his forehand. He also had an 8.8 performance rating overall.
Djokovic ends his season with a 21-10 win-loss record, one title at the China Open, and a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. The 39-year-old had been vocal in recent weeks about his desire to qualify for the ATP Finals.
