Alexander Zverev Makes History With Loss in Paris as Novak Djokovic Misses ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic will miss the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, following a second-round defeat at the Paris Indoor tournament. The 24-time major champion was defeated by Rinky Hijikata with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the round of 32, ending his bid to qualify for the season-ending event.

Reflecting on the match, Hijikata noted that he was initially uncertain if he would even be able to compete. "I wasn't sure whether I was going to take the court today, so I was happy I could come out and play," Hijikata stated after improving his head-to-head record against Djokovic to 2-1. "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."

Djokovic, who holds the Open Era record with seven year-end championship titles, decided not to play in the tournament in 2024 and 2025 despite qualifying. This year, the 39-year-old tennis star actively attempted to secure a spot in the event, which is scheduled to run from November 15 to November 22.

Earlier at the tournament, Alexander Zverev made history by becoming the first player to lose his opening match immediately after ascending to the top of the ATP rankings. The German star fell to Italian opponent Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(5), 6-2 in the round of 32 after previously securing the world No. 1 ranking.

Musetti praised the high intensity of the match, remarking on his ability to overcome an early deficit in the first set. "It's pretty shocking the level I was able to play in front of Sascha, who was serving really well, especially in the first set," Musetti said. "It was really close. It could have gone both ways. The key was to stay there at 5/2. I played five great points in a row."

Following the unexpected loss, Zverev voiced his frustration regarding continuous public scrutiny over his legitimacy as the top-ranked player. Addressing reporters in a press conference, the German player defended his status and expressed exhaustion over having to defend his ranking. "I seem to have to justify my position," Zverev said, adding that he is tired of being the only world No. 1 in history required to explain his standing. "I think I deserve to be where I am, even though I lost today."

Zverev admitted that his performance against Musetti fell far short of expectations and emphasized the need for major improvements ahead of the upcoming ATP Finals at the Inalpi Arena. With the calendar season drawing to a close, top athletes are finalizing their preparations for the tour's final showdown.