He was switched on,
Novak Djokovic said after losing his second-round match at the Paris Masters. Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata pulled off a stunning upset at the Paris Masters by defeating the seven-time tournament champion and 24-time grand slam winner 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
The 25-year-old Sydney product, currently ranked world No. 83 amid a career-best season, knocked out the Serbian icon to end Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals. In beating arguably the greatest tennis player ever, Hijikata advanced in the tournament after admitting I wasn’t sure whether I was going to take the court today, so I was happy I could come out and play.
Djokovic Laments Losing Control After Strong Start
Djokovic admitted that he played well in the first set before completely losing control of the contest. I wasn’t serving as well, and he was just playing out of his mind, honestly,
Djokovic said. He was not missing and keeping the ball low and just a terrific performance. He played really amazing tennis, and it was my fault to let the control of the match go. Nobody loves losing. It’s just another match, but I should’ve won this match.
Hijikata noted that his opponent was playing too good for him initially. I was just trying to hang tough as much as I could, and I was happy to maintain my level for as long as I could,
the qualifier said after rallying to secure the victory.
Hijikata Advances to Face Tomas Etcheverry
Hijikata has never won an ATP Tour singles title and previously reached a career-high ranking of 62nd in 2024. He first announced himself to the Australian public and the wider sporting world at the 2022 US Open when he won the first set against Rafael Nadal, before losing in four sets.
Following his triumph over Djokovic, Hijikata advances to face Tomas Etcheverry in the round of 16 on Friday morning (AEDT).
More on Paris Masters
Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata stuns seven-time Paris Masters champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the last 16 and officially eliminate the legend from the Race to Turin. 🚨😳 inside the giant-killing upset: – World No. 83 Rinky Hijikata rallied from a set down…
Wow. Rinky Hijikata comes back to beat 7-time champ Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the last 16 in Paris. Djokovic is ELIMINATED from the Race to Turin. Hijikata vs. Etcheverry R16. What even is this tournament! pic.twitter.com/d9V1WwhVw6
World No. 83 Rinky Hijikata knocks Novak Djokovic out of the Paris Masters! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HEJ9b9Qdr3
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