Defeat ends Djokovic's hopes of making ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic is out of the race to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin after a second-round defeat by qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters.

Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam singles titles are a men's record but have him tied with Margaret Court overall

It means Djokovic, 39, has failed to qualify for the event for only the second time in the past 20 seasons when fit.

The Serb likely needed to reach the semi-finals in Paris to qualify, although the draw had appeared to open up for him after two of his rivals for a place fell earlier in the day.

Despite a good start, Djokovic was unable to repel Australian world number 83 Hijikata in a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat.

As Hijikata lifted his level at the end of the second set and throughout the decider, Djokovic, who appeared laboured and to be struggling physically, produced a series of errors, bringing an end to his season.

Despite reaching the final of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of Wimbledon, Djokovic has not reached the quarter-final in any of this year's Masters 1000 events.

Source: BBC Sport