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Novak Djokovic has failed to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals for just the second time in 20 seasons following a shock second-round defeat at the Rolex Paris Masters. The 39-year-old needed a run to the semi-finals to keep himself in contention for a spot at the showpiece event in Turin, but fell to Australian Rinky Hijikata 2-6 6-3 6-3.
Djokovic and Zverev Suffered Shock Defeats in Paris
Djokovic, a seven-time champion in Paris, started strongly against the 25-year-old world No 83 before fading badly. His exit leaves qualification open for remaining contenders such as 12th-placed Taylor Fritz and 13th-placed Tommy Paul.
Hijikata told Sky Sports that the match demanded a massive effort, explaining that he was outplayed initially and had to stay tough, maintain his level, and trust himself in crucial moments while playing aggressively.
Analyst Ryan Harrison told Sky Sports that Djokovic did not play poorly, but Hijikata was firing on all cylinders with blistering forehand winners in the second and third sets after an unbelievable effort.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz started his title bid with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory over Alex Michelsen. The Spanish second seed advanced to face Matteo Berrettini, who defeated home favorite Ugo Humbert 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.
Zverev Struggles on World No 1 Debut
Alexander Zverev made history as the first male player to lose in straight sets on his debut match as world No 1. The 29-year-old German, who won the French and US Opens this year and claimed the top ranking on Monday, blew a 5-2 lead in a first-set tie-break during his 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 defeat to Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.
Zverev stated in his press conference that he played really badly while his opponent played really well, calling it one of his worst matches in recent months. He added that achieving the status is a dream, but expressed frustration at having to explain why being No 1 is normal for him, noting that he deserves his position despite the loss.
Musetti seized control by winning six of the final seven points in the opening-set tie-break before breaking Zverev twice in the second set. Musetti told Sky Sports in his on-court interview that he was shocked by his own level against a great server, noting the key was staying resilient after falling behind 5-2.
The victory continues a resurgence for the 24-year-old Italian, who dealt with injuries throughout the season, including a painful retirement against Djokovic at the Australian Open after leading by two sets.
More Second-Round Surprises in Paris
In other second-round upsets, Frances Tiafoe wasted four match points before falling 6-3 1-6 7-6 (11-9) to Frenchman Quentin Halys. Tiafoe’s defeat secured Arthur Fils’ qualification for the ATP Finals, making him the first Frenchman to reach the tournament since Gael Monfils in 2016.
Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev also exited the tournament after a 6-4 6-4 defeat against Ignacio Buse.
