Novak Djokovic's ATP Finals hopes dashed by Rinky Hijikata in Paris Masters upset

Consensus Summary

Novak Djokovic’s season-ending ATP Finals hopes were shattered in a stunning upset at the Paris Masters, where unranked Australian Rinky Hijikata defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. Hijikata, ranked world No. 83, played the match of his life, hitting 29 forehand winners and outlasting Djokovic in a grueling two-and-a-quarter-hour duel. The victory marked the fourth time an Australian had defeated Djokovic, joining Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios, and Lleyton Hewitt in achieving the feat. Djokovic, who had won his 102nd tour-level title in Beijing just weeks earlier, admitted he lost control after dominating the first set, praising Hijikata’s relentless baseline game and unmissable shots.

The Paris Masters served as the final qualifying event for the ATP Finals, where Djokovic stood to earn between $A500,000 and $A7.4m if he had reached the semifinals. His elimination came as fellow Australian Alex de Minaur also crashed out, losing 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a match that ended his bid for a third consecutive ATP Finals appearance. De Minaur, ranked world No. 9, now sits ninth in the Race to Turin standings, one spot behind Rafael Jodar, with no chance to accumulate further points. His only remaining hope of qualifying lies in a top-eight player withdrawing, though Flavio Cobolli—already secured in Turin—is sidelined by injury and expected to compete in the Italian event.

Hijikata’s victory was all the more remarkable given he nearly withdrew before the match due to neck pain, as the Guardian reported. The 28-year-old (or 25-year-old, as 7NEWS and ABC describe him) had never previously defeated a top-20 player, making this win a career-defining moment. Djokovic, who had reached the Australian Open final earlier in 2026, described Hijikata’s performance as 'terrific,' noting the Australian’s ability to keep the ball low and maintain aggression. Meanwhile, de Minaur’s loss was framed as a missed opportunity, with Etcheverry capitalizing on the Australian’s inconsistent form to secure his first top-10 victory. The Guardian highlighted Hijikata’s fourth top-20 scalp of the year, propelling him closer to a career-high ranking inside the world’s top 60.

While all three outlets agree on the core details of Hijikata’s upset and Djokovic’s elimination, they differ in emphasis and framing. The Guardian focuses on Hijikata’s underdog journey and Djokovic’s post-match reflections, while 7NEWS and ABC highlight the broader implications for de Minaur and the ATP Finals race. The Guardian also notes Djokovic’s recent successes, including his Beijing title, whereas 7NEWS and ABC concentrate on the immediate fallout of his loss. Additionally, there is a discrepancy in Hijikata’s age, with the Guardian stating he is 28 and the other two sources calling him 25, though this does not affect the factual accuracy of the event itself.

With Paris serving as the last qualifying tournament, the ATP Finals field is now nearly set, barring any withdrawals from the top eight. Arthur Fils secured his place without playing, as Frances Tiafoe’s loss to Quentin Halys in a thrilling 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (11-9) match opened another path to Turin. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s defeat leaves a void in the tournament, as he had been a consistent contender for years. The Guardian suggests Hijikata’s rise could continue, while 7NEWS and ABC underscore the unpredictability of the sport, where even the lowest-ranked players can deliver career-defining performances. As the season draws to a close, the focus now shifts to Turin, where the remaining qualifiers will compete for the year-end championship.