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Novak Djokovic’s 2026 season has ended with a disappointing second-round exit at the Paris Masters. The 10th seed suffered a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat to qualifier Rinky Hijikata, who, at No. 83 in the world, became the lowest-ranked man to beat Djokovic this year. The result also means the Serbian superstar cannot qualify for the ATP Finals – something he had been vocal about in recent weeks. 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 impressed during his opening match in Paris on Tuesday, coming back from a set and break down to beat in-form Basel champion Valentin Vacherot in three sets. But it was a reversal of fortunes on Wednesday, as Djokovic could not hold on to his lead after racing through the opening set.
The seven-time former champion in Paris saved a break point in a lengthy game early in set two. But he finally succumbed to Hijikata a few games later, and the qualifier broke before serving out the set.
The world No. 83 raised his level significantly in the second set. He hit 18 winners, 14 on the forehand wing, and recorded a rating of 9.5 out of 10 for his forehand. He also had an 8.8 performance rating overall.
Hijikata then survived a marathon eight-minute game in the final set, saving three break points to level the score at 2-2. Djokovic started to show signs of the health issues that have troubled him in recent months, doubling over to catch his breath in between some points.
He also briefly vented towards his box and asked a cameraman to give him some space during a changeover. And the 10th seed went on to lose the last four games of the match, getting broken twice as Hijikata claimed one of the biggest wins of his career.
The qualifier ended the match with a staggering 29 winners on the forehand side and a performance rating of 8.1. It’s his second-biggest win ever, as Hijikata also beat then-world No. 10 Alexander Bublik in Indian Wells earlier this year.
After the match, the 25-year-old revealed that he almost didn’t take the court at all. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure whether I was going to be able to take the court today. So I was just happy I could come out and play,” he said.
“And then he was playing too good to me for the first set and a little bit. Yeah, I was just trying to hang tough for as long as I could. Maybe got a little bit fortunate on a few big points there, and I was happy to maintain my level for as long as I did.”
Asked why his participation was in doubt, the qualifier replied: “I just crooked my neck a bit yesterday and yeah, to be honest, it wasn’t feeling great last night and this morning. But I guess a bit of adrenaline kicked in and I was going to do whatever it took to get out, so I’m glad with the performance I put in.”
And he also cited some of his aggressive play in that eight-minute, fourth game of the final set as one of the key moments of the match. “I don’t know, I guess just tried to stay aggressive. I think that’s been the key for me this week, is try and impose my game as much as I can and back myself in the big moments,” Hijikata explained.
“I think the last few months, I’ve maybe gotten a little bit passive under pressure, and I think this week I’ve done a good job so far of just sticking to my game and playing aggressive.”
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