Djokovic falls out of ATP Finals race

Novak Djokovic failed to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals for only the second time in 20 seasons. He also could not take part in the tournament in 2017 due to an elbow injury. The 39-year-old lost to 25-year-old Australian Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Paris Masters. Hijikata, who is ranked 83rd in the world, won the match 2-6 6-3 6-3.

Djokovic, a seven-time Paris champion, needed to reach the semifinals to earn a place at the tournament in Turin. He started the match well but then declined. The race for the remaining two spots remains open, with names like 12th-ranked Taylor Fritz and 13th-ranked Tommy Paul standing out.

After the match, Hijikata told Sky Sports that it was a tough battle against an opponent who had played better in the first set. He said he kept his level and believed in himself in the big moments.

Analyst Ryan Harrison said Djokovic did not play badly, and that Hijikata performed very well with his forehand. Harrison noted that Hijikata maintained his advantage on his forehands after the first set.

Alexander Zverev, the world No. 1, was also eliminated at the Paris Masters. Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz began his tournament with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 win over Alex Michelsen. Alcaraz's next opponent will be Matteo Berrettini. The Italian beat host nation hope and 2024 finalist Ugo Humbert 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.