Novak Djokovic Set to Miss ATP Finals After Early Paris Exit

Paris – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Novak Djokovic suffered a shock exit from the Paris Masters on Wednesday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion lost to Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the second round.

The score was 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Hijikata is ranked 83rd in the world, so the result surprised many fans.

The loss also ended the 39-year-old Serb’s chance of playing at the ATP Finals later this month.

Djokovic started the match very well. He won the first set with ease and looked in full control.

Then the match changed. Hijikata broke his serve in the eighth game of the second set. He then held his serve to level the match at one set each.

The final set was a long fight. At 3-3, Djokovic lost his serve and gave his rival a big chance. Hijikata took it and broke again to win the match.

After the game, Djokovic was honest about the loss. He said he felt disappointed, because he thought he was in control after the first set.

He also gave credit to the young Australian. He said Hijikata was sharp, kept the ball low and hardly missed a shot.

Djokovic admitted his serve was not good enough. He also took some blame for letting the match slip away.

When reporters asked about his plans, he said he would “just rest”. He added that he was looking forward to the break.

It was a tough day for the top players in Paris. World number one Alexander Zverev also went out early.

Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur lost their second-round matches as well. All three were top-eight seeds.