Overview
- Rinky Hijikata beat Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters second round, a defeat that mathematically eliminated Djokovic from qualification for the year-end ATP Finals in Turin.
- Djokovic’s 2026 season mixed elite results with sudden defeats, highlighted by a run to the Australian Open final and a China Open title but also early exits in Shanghai, Basel and several other events.
- Djokovic and his team have publicly linked recent inconsistent form to health and energy problems and say they are working to identify and fix those issues.
- He is entered in the rescheduled Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in December and has confirmed plans to play the 2027 Australian Open in January, which will serve as immediate tests of his recovery.
- Commentators are sharply divided on his major prospects, with Steve Johnson saying Djokovic is no longer a serious contender for big titles and others, including John Isner, arguing he can still peak for a single tournament.