Qualifier Rinky Hijikata knocks out Novak Djokovic in Paris, shutting the door on the Serb's push for a place at the Turin season finale.
Novak Djokovic's race for a spot at the ATP Finals is over. The Serbian star went out in the second round of the Paris Masters, beaten by qualifier Rinky Hijikata.
The result ends any chance of Djokovic making the eight-man field in Turin, the season-ending showpiece reserved for the best performers of the year. With the Paris Masters among the last big chances to pick up ranking points, the loss leaves him with no route back into the qualification picture.
For Hijikata, the Australian who had to come through qualifying just to reach the main draw, it is a statement win on one of the sport's biggest indoor stages. Taking down a player of Djokovic's stature will be a major confidence boost for him.
For Djokovic, it is a rare early exit at a tournament that has often suited his game. Attention now turns to how he shapes the rest of his season, and to who claims the remaining places in Turin.
