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Rinky Hijikata Shocks Novak Djokovic, Ends His ATP Finals Hopes at Paris Masters

In a surprising turn of events at the Paris Masters, Rinky Hijikata defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. The Australian qualifier bounced back after losing the first set to secure one of the biggest wins of his career. This result ended Djokovic's hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals, as he needed a strong performance in Paris to break into the top eight.

Hijikata’s Composed Performance

Throughout the match, Hijikata kept his composure and barely celebrated after sealing the win against one of tennis's all-time greats. Speaking to Sky Sports after the victory, Hijikata reflected on the challenge of overcoming Djokovic.

"It took a lot; I was getting outplayed in the first set and wasn’t close to his level. I just had to hang tough, keep playing my game and impose myself as much as I could. I’m glad I maintained my level and trusted myself in the big moments," Hijikata said.

He also commented on the court conditions, noting how the new balls made the surface quick and helped his serve, while longer rallies appeared once the balls softened.

"With new balls, it’s very fast; I was getting good purchase on my serve, but couldn’t touch his serve for a while. When the balls fluff up, the play becomes more manageable with longer rallies, but I had to stay aggressive and take it to him," he added.

Regarding his return adjustments after the first set, where he only won two games and managed three forehand winners, Hijikata admitted he focused on better guessing and making solid contact on second serves.

"I was trying to guess better. Novak was acing me easily, and I told myself to get a good swing on the ball, especially on second serves, hoping to create opportunities," he explained.

Next Challenges and Djokovic’s Season Ends

Hijikata will face Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round on November 5. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s season is over, marking the first time since 2017 that he has missed out on the ATP Finals.

Live ATP Race to Turin Standings

  • Alexander Zverev – 9,350 points (Qualified)
  • Jannik Sinner – 7,950 points (Qualified – Won’t play)
  • Carlos Alcaraz – 5,110 points (Qualified)
  • Ben Shelton – 4,620 points (Qualified)
  • Daniil Medvedev – 3,820 points (Qualified)
  • Flavio Cobolli – 3,680 points (Qualified)
  • Arthur Fils – 3,535 points (Qualified)
  • Frances Tiafoe – 3,390 points (Qualifying)
  • Rafael Jodar – 3,234 points (Qualifying)
  • Alex de Minaur – 3,170 points (Can’t qualify)
  • Novak Djokovic – 2,940 points (Can’t qualify)
  • Taylor Fritz – 2,900 points (Not qualifying)
  • Tommy Paul – 2,825 points (Not qualifying)

Ryan Harrison Comments on the Match

Former player and Sky Sports analyst Ryan Harrison shared his thoughts on the contest, emphasizing that Djokovic did not perform badly. Instead, Hijikata played outstanding tennis.

"Novak didn’t play poorly; Hijikata was firing on all cylinders. After the first set, Novak controlled much of the match, especially behind his serve, but Rinky's effort was incredible. His forehand was blistering—only three winners in the first set, then he poured them on in sets two and three," Harrison stated.

Match Statistics: Djokovic vs Hijikata

  • Performance rating: Djokovic 7.9, Hijikata 8.1
  • Serve quality: Djokovic 8.0, Hijikata 7.7
  • Unreturned serve %: Djokovic 31%, Hijikata 24%
  • First serve %: Djokovic 69%, Hijikata 60%
  • First serve points won %: Djokovic 75%, Hijikata 72%
  • Second serve points won %: Djokovic 34%, Hijikata 50%
  • Second serve average speed: Djokovic 155 km/h, Hijikata 151 km/h
  • Return quality: Djokovic 6.5, Hijikata 7.2
  • Break points won: Djokovic 2/11, Hijikata 3/7
  • Forehand winners: Djokovic 10, Hijikata 29
  • Backhand winners: Djokovic 8, Hijikata 8
  • Forehand unforced errors: Djokovic 11, Hijikata 17
  • Backhand unforced errors: Djokovic 8, Hijikata 15
  • Forced errors: Djokovic 26, Hijikata 31
  • Net points won: Djokovic 11/13, Hijikata 14/20
  • Baseline points won: Djokovic 47, Hijikata 46
  • Points won under nine shots: Djokovic 79, Hijikata 80
  • Points won over nine shots: Djokovic 12, Hijikata 11

Harrison noted that Djokovic's serve quality dropped during the match, while Hijikata’s serving was notably strong by his standards. Winning over half the points on second serves against Djokovic, known as one of the best returners for the past two decades, was impressive. Hijikata’s forehand was the key weapon, hitting 29 winners compared to only three in the opening set.

With this form, Hijikata heads into his next match with a solid chance to continue his run, potentially facing Lorenzo Musetti or Luca Van Assche in the quarter-finals.

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