Defeat ends Djokovic’s hopes of making ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic’s defeat by qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters ended his chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin, bringing his season to a close. It is only the second time in the past 20 seasons that he has missed the event while fit, and means he cannot pursue a record-extending eighth title there.

Djokovic lost 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 after Hijikata raised his level and Djokovic appeared to struggle physically. The 39-year-old said he planned to rest, following a year in which he reached the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals but failed to make the quarter-finals at any Masters 1000 event. Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention for the last two places in Turin.