Rinky Hijikata stuns Djokovic with epic comeback at Paris Masters
Rinky Hijikata beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the Paris Masters, eliminating him from the ATP Finals race.
Rinky Hijikata produced the biggest win of his career, defeating Novak Djokovic in a stunning comeback at the Paris Masters. Djokovic took the first set convincingly but Hijikata raised his game dramatically.
Hijikata hit 37 winners, including 29 forehands, to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-3. The Australian's aggressive play overwhelmed the 24-time major champion.
Djokovic needed to reach the Paris semi-finals to have a chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Hijikata's upset ended that possibility.
Meanwhile, Australia's top-ranked player Alex de Minaur also crashed out. He lost to world number 31 Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(7-2), 6-3.
De Minaur is now ninth in the ATP Finals race. His only hope is if one of the current top-eight players withdraws.
- 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
- Final score
- 37 total, 29 forehands
- Winners hit by Hijikata
- Ninth
- De Minaur's ATP Finals ranking
Why it mattersHijikata's win over a tennis great shows the next generation pushing elite players out, while de Minaur's loss leaves both Australians fighting for spots at the year-end championship.
AustraliaTwo Australian tennis stars face critical moments in their seasons, with Hijikata claiming a career-defining scalp and de Minaur struggling to secure his place at tennis's year-end Finals.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
