Novak Djokovic, a usual giant-killer at the major tournaments, was surprised in the round of 16 of the Rolex Paris Masters by young Australian Rinky Hijikata, a defeat that ends his ambitions to participate in the Turin Masters.
The tennis world witnessed one of the most striking upsets of this end of season. Novak Djokovic, multiple Grand Slam tournament winner and iconic figure of the men's circuit, was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Rolex Paris Masters this Wednesday, November 4th. Australian Rinky Hijikata, who came through qualifying, won in three tight sets: 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
This defeat marks an unexpected turning point in the Serbian champion's year. Usually unstoppable on fast surfaces, Djokovic seemed off-color, letting precious opportunities slip away at key moments in the match. Hijikata, 22 years old, seized the opportunity with maturity, deploying an aggressive game that destabilized the world number one.
The consequences of this elimination are major for Djokovic. By failing to accumulate any points at this Parisian Masters 1000, the Serbian will not be able to reach the qualification thresholds for the Turin Masters, the tournament bringing together the eight best players of the year. This is the first time in a long while that the Joker will miss this prestigious year-end event.
This underperformance raises questions about the champion's form. At 37 years old, is Djokovic going through a transition period? Observers of the circuit are wondering about his ability to bounce back at the upcoming events. One thing is certain: this elimination will remain as one of the highlights of this unexpected season.
This defeat marks an unexpected turning point in the Serbian champion's year. Usually unstoppable on fast surfaces, Djokovic seemed off-color, letting precious opportunities slip away at key moments in the match. Hijikata, 22 years old, seized the opportunity with maturity, deploying an aggressive game that destabilized the world number one.
The consequences of this elimination are major for Djokovic. By failing to accumulate any points at this Parisian Masters 1000, the Serbian will not be able to reach the qualification thresholds for the Turin Masters, the tournament bringing together the eight best players of the year. This is the first time in a long while that the Joker will miss this prestigious year-end event.
This underperformance raises questions about the champion's form. At 37 years old, is Djokovic going through a transition period? Observers of the circuit are wondering about his ability to bounce back at the upcoming events. One thing is certain: this elimination will remain as one of the highlights of this unexpected season.
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Source: Ouest-France