Qualifier Player Claims Biggest Upset Against Novak Djokovic In Rolex Paris Masters

 

Novak Djokovic lost out in a second-round match against an Australian qualifier, Rinky Hijikata, at the Rolex Paris Masters. 

Wednesday, the nine-time finalist was outwitted by the Australian, despite claiming the opening set. Rinky stunned the seven-time champion, taking a two-set lead to win three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Rinky is not the lowest ATP ranking player to beat Djokovic. However, he is the lowest-ranking player to defeat the Serb in a Masters 1000 event, and also the lower-ranking player beat him in 2026. 

"I mean disappointment obviously, losing a match that I felt like I was dominating," Djokovic recalled at a postmatch interview. "I wasn't serving as well and then he was playing out of his mind honestly. [He] was not missing, keeping the ball low, and just terrific performance."

Meanwhile, since winning the 2026 China Open, Djokovic has not progressed beyond Round of 16 at any event. Earlier, he won the opening round against Valentin Vacherot in three sets, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1, making him the oldest player to win a match in the Rolex Paris Masters. 

Rinky, 25, is making his debut in Paris Masters. He won his previous match against Luciano Darderi. In the third round, he defeated Tomas Etcheverry in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, and advanced to the quarter-finals.