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Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a spot in the season-ending ATP Finals has come to an end following a surprise second-round defeat at the Paris Masters. The 39-year-old Serbian, a record-breaking figure in the sport, saw his qualification hopes vanish after losing to Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata. The result marks a rare absence for Djokovic from the elite year-end tournament, which features the world’s top eight players and serves as the culmination of the professional tennis season.
The match began favorably for the veteran, who comfortably took the first set 6-2. However, Hijikata showed remarkable resilience against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, fighting back to claim the next two sets 6-3, 6-3. Djokovic was unable to maintain the dominance he displayed in the opening stages, eventually succumbing to the qualifier’s persistent play. This loss highlights a difficult run of form for Djokovic in the Masters 1000 series this year, which stood in contrast to his earlier success on the Grand Slam stage.
This elimination represents a significant milestone in Djokovic's storied career, marking only the second time in 20 seasons that he has failed to qualify for the ATP Finals when physically fit. While his 2025 season was highlighted by a victory at the US Open, his performances in the ATP's top-tier 1000-level events have been uncharacteristically inconsistent. Following the match, the world number one indicated that he plans to use the coming weeks to rest and recover, though the exit has sparked renewed discussion regarding his future in the sport as he approaches his 40th birthday.
With Djokovic now out of the running, the race for the remaining spots in the ATP Finals field has narrowed significantly. American players Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are the primary contenders currently vying for the final qualifying positions for the tournament in Turin. For Djokovic, the focus shifts toward his preparations for the next season and whether he can continue to compete at the highest level against a rising generation of younger challengers.