Djokovic to miss ATP Finals after early Paris exit

Speaking in the mixed zone after the loss, Djokovic told reporters his plan for the next few weeks was “just rest”. | Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Paris Masters on Wednesday as the 24-time Grand Slam champion lost 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the second round.

The shock defeat to the world number 83 ended the 39-year-old Serb’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals later this month.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the loss, Djokovic told reporters his plan for the next few weeks was “just rest”.

“I’m looking forward to it,” the 39-year-old added.

After sailing through the first set, Djokovic soon found himself in a battle with the Australian qualifier.

Hijikata broke Djokovic in the eighth game of the second frame before serving out to force a decider.

The third set ground on until the Serb cracked serving at 3-3 to hand his unfancied opponent a chance at victory, which he duly took with a second break to seal the match in style.

Djokovic, a seven-time champion in Paris, said he felt “disappointment obviously, losing a match that I felt like I was dominating for the first set”.

But he heaped praise on Hijikata for the way he responded.

“He was switched on, I wasn’t serving as well and he was just playing out of his mind honestly. He was not missing and keeping the ball low and just a terrific performance,” Djokovic said.