Seven-time winner Novak Djokovic fell to qualifier Rinky Hijikata 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday, with the second-round loss knocking the veteran out of contention for ATP year-end event.

The veteran Serb was fighting not only for another title at the event but also for a possible place in the ATP Finals beginning in Turin from November 15.

The evergreen 39-year-old had stood two spots out, but has joined fellow contender Alex de Minaur (one spot away) as a loser on the day in paris.

Hijikata said he had been dealing with a crick in his neck and had been unsure of even playing the match.

But the Australian made the call and after a modest first set, began to score with 29 forehand winners as he won the biggest match of his singles career.

Djokovic saved a match point in the closing stages but could not handle a return winner from his opponent after more than two hours.”I was not sure that I could take to the court, but I’m happy I was able to come out and play,” the winner said. “i didn’t feel great but the adrenaline kicked in.

“He dominated for the first set and a bit. But I hung tough and got fortunate with a few good points. I’m happy with the performance that I put in.

“The key is to stay aggressive as much as I can. I’ve been passive under pressure over the last few months.”

Djokovic missed his chance to reach the Paris third round for the 15th time in 18 appearances and more than two decades since getting that far in 2005.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic loses to qualifier in Paris Masters- by ISF Ltd

Newly-crowned world No. 1 Alexander Zverev fell victim on Wednesday to a low-key curse as he became the fifth player to lose his opening match after topping the ATP rankings.

The German met his match in Lorenzo Moretti, with the Italian carving out a comfortable 7-6 (5), 6-2 win into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters.

Zverev’s loss mirrored those suffered by four other new No. 1 players: Carlos Alcaraz, Lleyton Hewitt, Thomas Muster and John McEnroe.

The Italian who has suffered through injuries this season, credited his serving with getting the job done.

The 24th-ranked Musetti ended the upset with back-to-back aces. and moved into a match with Frenchman Luca van Assche, who beat Learner Tien 7-6(4), 6-4.

“It was incredible, really shocking the level that I managed to play,” the winner said after earning his fourth win of the season over a top 10 opponent.

“He was serving really well in the first set, the key was to stay in there. It was a really great performance.”

Zverev will now have more than a week to rest and prepare for the ATP Finals starting a week from Sunday in Turin.

The new top man will be an obvious target for the remainder of the eight man elite field.

“I need to improve probably everything, because this was not a very good match for me – maybe one of the worst in the last couple of months.

“The court was very, very fast, but this is the (way) that it should be during the indoor season.

“I was bad. It’s quite simple. There’s no excuses. It’s like that.”

Main photo:- New world No. 1 Alexander Zverev loses his opening match in Paris Masters – ISF Ltd

Novak Djokovic got away to a gruelling start at his most successful Masters 1000 event on Tuesday, with the seven-time champion outlasting Valentin Vacherot  6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 to reach the second round in Paris.

The seven-time champion at the elite indoor event gets the Serb off and running in his effort to squeeze into a qualifying spot at the ATP Finals starting in Turin on November 15.

The winner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles had to fight back after trailing last weekend’s Basel champion a set and a break

But the 39-year-old slowly reeled in the Monegasque, whose game evaporated in the third set.

“I expected a match like this, there were very few opportunities for me to break him,” the winner said of the two-and-a-half-hour battle.

“He has a huge serve, in the first set and a half it was difficult to read. Even if i guess right, it is coming at some speed. It’s hard to play someone like that.

“He gives you no chances and puts a lot of pressure on my service games.”

Both players were seen by the trainer in the second set as Djokovic began his fightback by taking a massage on his right shoulder; vacherot was treated and taped on his left ankle but showed no further ill effects.

Djokovic lifted his level as he broke back for 2-all and levelled the match with a break to wrap up the set.

In the third, the veteran dominated with two more breaks as he secured victory with a backhand down-the-line winner.

He next faces Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata after fighting off 22 aces from Vacherot, who converted on only one of seven break chances.

Djokovic improved to 51-9 at the Paris Masters and strengthened  his bid for a Turin spot, where he currently stands provisional 10th for the eight man field.

“It was not a bad performance for an old guy,” Djokovic said. “Somehow I find a way to win matches that go the distance.

“I’m giving it whatever I can. I’m trying to find the way to play my best level when it matters.”

Main photo:-Novak Djokovic won Paris Masters in 2023 – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd