Novak Djokovic is out of the race to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin after a second-round defeat by qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters. It means Djokovic, 39, has failed to qualify for the event for only the second time in the past 20 seasons when fit. Despite a good start, Djokovic was unable to repel Australian world number 83 Hijikata in a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat.
As Hijikata lifted his level at the end of the second set and throughout the decider, Djokovic, who appeared laboured and to be struggling physically, produced a series of errors, bringing an end to his season. Qualifying for Turin would have given him a chance to win a record-extending eighth title at the season-ending championships. Instead, only Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention to take the final two places currently held by Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar.
Djokovic had not failed to qualify when fit since 2017. Tiafoe's chances were taken out of his hands earlier when he fell to a 6-3 1-6 7-6 (11-9) defeat by Frenchman Quentin Halys. Australian Alex de Minaur then failed to take advantage as he lost 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Elsewhere, world number one Alexander Zverev and fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, both of whom have already qualified for Turin, were also beaten.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing