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. Djokovic said his plan for the next few weeks is "just rest". "He was switched on, 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