By Basant El-Faramawy
Novak Djokovic's season ended after a second-round loss to qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters, eliminating him from contention for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Defeat ends Turin hopes
The 39-year-old Serb needed to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the season-ending championships but fell 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the Australian world No. 83. The loss marks only the second time in 20 seasons that Djokovic has missed the ATP Finals when fit.
Djokovic reflects on performance
Djokovic acknowledged Hijikata's high level and admitted his own physical struggles. He said his immediate plan is rest and praised his opponent's "terrific performance."
Other contenders falter
The defeat also affected the qualification picture. Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul remain in contention for the final two spots after Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur lost earlier. Top seed Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, already qualified, also suffered upset losses.
