Novak Djokovic hits 21-year low after shock Paris Masters defeat to Rinky Hijikata

Novak Djokovic suffered an unexpected defeat to Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Paris Masters, marking his lowest performance at the Masters 1000 level in 21 years. After winning only three matches at that level this year, Djokovic failed to reach a single quarter-final, a first since 2005. The record 40-time Masters 1000 champion last failed to reach a quarter-final in a full season back in 2005.

Djokovic's 2026 Masters 1000 campaign saw him play just three matches – losing to Jack Draper in Indian Wells, failing to qualify for the ATP Finals, and then losing to Rinky Hijikata in Paris. In 2005, Djokovic only played four Masters 1000 events, reaching the main draw twice before losing in the first round of Cincinnati Open.

With his ranking dropping outside the top 10, Djokovic's path to a 25th major title now seems increasingly unlikely. Despite recent success in Beijing, where Djokovic won the China Open, his 40th birthday in May next year raises questions about his future in men's tennis.