Rinky Hijikata stunned Novak Djokovic to earn the fourth top-20 win of his career to advance further in the Rolex Paris Masters. The Australian bested seven-time champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the third round of the tournament.
Hijikata secured a win after two hours and 13 minutes, and with this win, he put an end to Djokovic hopes of qualifying for the ATP Nitto Finals. The Australian was delighted after coming from behind to win against the veteran.
“I wasn’t sure whether I was going to take the court today, so I was happy I could come out and play,” Hijikata said. “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.”
The Australian said he wants to be aggressive in crucial moments of the game, which he didn’t do in his previous matches.
“That’s been the key this week for me: To try and impose my game as much as I can and back myself in the big moments,” said Hijikata, who saved all three break points he faced in the final set, according to Infosys ATP Stats. “The last few months, I’ve maybe gotten a little bit passive under pressure, but this week I’ve done a good job of sticking to my game and staying aggressive.”
On the other hand, Novak Djokovic expressed his disappointment after the loss.
“Disappointment, obviously, losing a match that I felt like I was dominating for a set and a few games,” Djokovic said. “Then he was switched on. I wasn’t serving as well in the second set. He was just playing out of his mind, honestly. He was not missing, keeping the ball low. It was a terrific performance.
“Nobody loves losing. It’s just another match, but I should’ve won this match. I played well in the first set and then completely lost control.”
Hijikata will face Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the third round on Thursday.
