Hijikata overcomes neck trouble to beat Djokovic at Paris Masters
Original report:
Rinky Hijikata said he nearly withdrew with neck discomfort before rallying to defeat Novak Djokovic at the Paris Masters. The Australian qualifier’s three-set victory ended Djokovic’s ATP Finals qualification hopes, according to the Guardian’s November 2026 report.
Rinky Hijikata recovered from a set down to beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the Paris Masters third round, the Guardian reported on 5 November 2026. The world No 83, who entered through qualifying, said neck trouble had left him considering withdrawal before he took the court.
The defeat ended Djokovic’s chances of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, according to the report. Djokovic credited Hijikata’s accuracy and low shots while acknowledging that his own serving deteriorated after a strong start. Hijikata was due to face Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who beat Alex de Minaur 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.
The result marked another milestone in Hijikata’s season: the source counted it as his fourth victory over a top-20 opponent in 2026, after none previously. He also became only the fourth Australian to beat Djokovic, joining Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt, according to the report.
Source
the Guardian — 5 November 2026
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