Novak Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin ended on November 4, 2026, after a stunning second-round defeat to Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters, as reported by BBC Sport. The 39-year-old Serb fell 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, marking only the second time in the past 20 seasons when fit that he has failed to qualify for the elite season-ending tournament. The defeat brings a premature close to Djokovic’s 2026 campaign and leaves the live race for the remaining spots open as the indoor hard-court season reaches its climax.
The match began with the former world No. 1 in apparent control. Djokovic broke Hijikata early in the opening set, built a double-break advantage, and comfortably closed it out 6-2. According to an account published by TennisUpToDate, the Serbian created opportunities in nearly every service game played by the world No. 83 while keeping his own delivery secure, giving little indication of the dramatic shift to follow.
The Turning Point and Hijikata’s Comeback
Hijikata gradually found his footing in the second set, matching Djokovic from the baseline and capitalizing on a noticeable drop in the veteran’s intensity. Securing a crucial break, the Australian took the second set 6-3 to force a deciding set—marking the first time he had won a set against Djokovic in their career head-to-head meetings.
The momentum carried directly into the decider. Djokovic held through early service games and earned three break points on Hijikata’s delivery at 2-1, but the qualifier saved all three to level at 2-2. As Djokovic appeared increasingly laboured and began producing a series of unforced errors, Hijikata broke for a 4-3 lead, consolidated his advantage, and broke the Serb a second time in the closing games to seal the 6-3 victory.
Broader Season Context and Historic Deterioration
The early exit in the French capital highlights a difficult 2026 season for Djokovic. Despite reaching the final of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of Wimbledon, he has failed to reach the quarter-finals in any of this year’s Masters 1000 events. Following his triumph in Beijing, where he ensured a title for the 21st consecutive year, his form had begun to taper off. Speaking after the match, Djokovic indicated his immediate priority is rest, stating that his plan for the coming weeks is “just rest” and adding that he is looking forward to it.
With Djokovic sidelined from Turin, the qualification race for the season-ending championships intensifies. Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention to secure the final spots, alongside other contenders navigating the late-season indoor schedule. Meanwhile, Djokovic faces a challenging road ahead as he approaches his 40th birthday in May 2027, with tour results showing a tangible deterioration across the calendar.