Novak Djokovic is knocked out of the ATP Finals race after losing to Australia’s Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters. The match ends 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, with Hijikata winning in straight sets after Djokovic takes the first. The result sends Hijikata into the Paris Masters third round and marks a major breakthrough for him.
Multiple outlets describe Hijikata as a relatively unknown player who produces the biggest win of his career. ABC Australia adds that the defeat also ends Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the end-of-year ATP Finals. The Guardian frames the moment around Djokovic’s reaction and the way Hijikata’s performance derails the Serb’s plans.
Across the other reports, the emphasis stays largely consistent: a surprising upset at the Paris Masters featuring a “little-known” Aussie upsetting Djokovic. The main differences are in phrasing—some stress Hijikata’s background and shock value, while others focus on the match score and the downstream implication for Djokovic’s season-ending qualification.
