Novak Djokovic suffers disaster as season comes to sudden end at Paris Masters
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.
