Djokovic’s total KO in Paris to the joy of Rafa Jódar

Novak Djokovic39 years old and world No. 11, suffered one of the most painful defeats in recent times. He wanted to fight until the end for one of the last places to compete in the ATP Finals in Turin, from November 15 to 22, but he has been unable to achieve a good result in the Paris Masters.

Record champion of this Parisian 1000, which he dominated seven times, he returned for the first time since his last title in 2023. He wanted to score points and unhorse Frances Tiafoe and Rafa Jódar of their provisional places for the Masters Cup.

I wanted to play it Novak Djokovic sensing that it could be a farewell to the event that brings together the eight best of the season. After having given up previous editions due to a personal decision, when he wanted to he couldn’t. Goodbye to Turin, to the relief and joy of Jódar, since he has one less enemy on the road, when he is already a spectator after losing to the Norwegian Casper Ruud.

Djokovic fell to the Australian Rinky Hijikata, 25 years old and world number 83, from the previous phase. After the marathon before Valentin Vacherotthe collapse of ‘Nole’, who lost 2-6, 6-3 and 6-3 in 2h.14′.

A total KO from the Serbian in his farewell to this 2026 course, with the final of the Australian Open, the title in Beijing, but many physical problems. He is pushing a well-cared for body to the limit, but very punished by a long and successful career.

The objective of Los Angeles 2028 continues to feed Novak Djokovic, who finds it increasingly difficult to win a 25th Grand Slam title. Closes the campaign with 21 wins and 10 losses.

He had defeated twice Hijikatawho rebelled seeing Djokovic’s weaknesses, who is already going through the phase in which rivals have lost a good part of the respect they once had for him, when many gave up before their time. The ‘Aussie’ held on, he will meet the Argentine in the round of 16 Tomás Martín Etcheverry, that eliminated another candidate, now already ruled out, for the ATP Finals, the Australian Alex de Minaur.