Djokovic stunned by little-known Aussie who ‘played out of his mind’
Little-known Aussie Rinky Hijikata has stunned arguably the greatest tennis player ever by knocking Novak Djokovic out of the Paris Masters.
The 25-year-old Sydney product won their second round match 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to roll the seven-time tournament champion and 24-time grand slam winner.
Australia’s Rinky Hijikata, right, greets Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning his sencond round match of the Paris Masters. AP Photo/Teresa Suarez
In beating the Serbian icon, Hijikata – currently world No.83 amid a career-best season – ended Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals.
“He was switched on,” Djokovic said of his Aussie rival afterwards.
“I wasn’t serving as well, and he was just playing out of his mind, honestly.
“He was not missing and keeping the ball low and just a terrific performance.
“He played really amazing tennis, and it was my fault to let the control of the match go.
“Nobody loves losing. It’s just another match, but I should’ve won this match.
“I played well in the first set and then completely lost control.”
Hijikata is a qualifier at the Paris Masters and could hardly believe what had happened.
“I wasn’t sure whether I was going to take the court today, so I was happy I could come out and play,” Hijikata said.
“He was playing too good for me for the first set and a little bit.
“I was just trying to hang tough as much as I could, and I was happy to maintain my level for as long as I could.”
Rinky Hijikata of Australia celebrates beating Novak Djokovic. Getty Images
Hijikata reached a career-high ranking of 62nd in 2024 but has never won an ATP Tour singles title.
He announced himself to the Aussie public and the wider sporting world at the 2022 US Open when he won the first set against Rafael Nadal, before losing in four sets.
Hijikata faces Tomas Etcheverry in the round of 16 on Friday morning (AEDT).
