Novak Djokovic fell to a 21-year ranking low after a stunning defeat to Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters on Thursday. The loss marks one of the most surprising results of the ATP season, with Hijikata overcoming the 24-time Grand Slam champion in front of a stunned crowd at the Accor Arena.
The defeat continues a difficult stretch for Djokovic, who has struggled to find his dominant form in recent months. For Hijikata, the victory represents the biggest win of his young career and a significant breakthrough on the Masters 1000 stage.
