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Novak Djokovic: Serb's season over as defeat in Paris means he will miss ATP Finals
On Wednesday, world No. 83 Rinky Hijikata eliminated Novak Djokovic from the Paris Masters, ending the 24-time Grand Slam champion's hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Earlier Wednesday, Djokovic's chances of reaching Turin received a boost following exits by Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, and Alex de Minaur, who were all ahead in the Race to Turin standings.
Hijikata found a brilliant level behind his attacking forehand to win 2-6 6-3 6-3, as Djokovic struggled with serving errors and became the lowest-ranked player to beat the Serbian this season.
Frenchman Arthur Fils qualified for the ATP Finals for the first time, joining Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, and Flavio Cobolli, while Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention.
Despite reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals, Djokovic has not reached the quarter-final in any of this year's Masters 1000 events and failed to qualify for the ATP Finals for the first time since 2017.
For Danas from Paris
Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic said that his opponent in the second round of the Masters in Paris, Rinki Hidzikata, against whom he lost the match in three sets, deserved to win.