Rinky Hijikata came from a set down to defeat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the Paris Masters, advancing to the third round and ending the Serbian’s bid to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals. Djokovic has won that championship seven times.
The 28-year-old Australian said he nearly pulled out before the match after hurting his neck the previous day. He added that the discomfort remained overnight and on match morning, but adrenaline helped him take the court.
Hijikata, who reached the main draw through qualifying, is the fourth Australian to beat Djokovic, joining Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt. The victory was his fourth win over a top-20 opponent in 2026, after he had not previously recorded one.
Djokovic said he had controlled the match during the first set and part of the second, but praised Hijikata’s level as the Australian began keeping the ball low and making few errors. The defeat ends Djokovic’s 2026 season in France.
Hijikata’s next opponent is Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who beat de Minaur 7-6 (7-2), 6-3. One more win would take Hijikata to a new career-high ranking inside the world’s top 60.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.