Djokovic out of ATP Finals race after shock Paris exit along with No 1 Zverev

For just the second time in 20 seasons, Novak Djokovic has failed to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals after a shock defeat in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters. The 39-year-old, who also failed to make the 2017 edition due to a elbow injury, needed a run to the semi-finals to keep himself in with a chance of clinching a spot at the season-ending showpiece in Turin. Djokovic, a seven-time champion in Paris, started well against 25-year-old Australian Rinky Hijikata, the world No 83, but faded badly in a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat.

With two places still available for the season-ending championship, Djokovic needed a run to the semi-finals in Paris to stay alive in his hopes, but his exit leaves the door open for the remaining contenders, including 12th-placed Taylor Fritz and 13th-placed Tommy Paul. Hijikata told Sky Sports: "It took a lot. I was getting outplayed in the first set and had to hang tough.

"In the end I was glad I maintained my level and trusted myself in the big moments. I felt I had to take it to him and play aggressive." Qualified 1. Fils Two spots available 7.

Tiafoe 3,390 [Lost in round 32] 8. Jodar 3,234 [Lost in round 32] 9. De Minaur 3,170 [Lost in round 32] 10.

Djokovic 2,940 [Lost in round 32] 11. Paul 2,825 Analyst Ryan Harrison, speaking to Sky Sports' Gigi Salmon, said: "Novak didn't really play poorly at all. This was Hijikata absolutely firing on all cylinders.

"After that opening set, Novak was controlling most the match, particularly behind his serve, but Rinky an unbelievable effort off the forehand side that was blistering. Just three forehand winners in the first set but he then poured them on for sets two and three." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Alexander Zverev became the first male player in the history of tennis to lose in straight sets on his debut match as world No 1. The 29-year-old German, who won the French and US Opens this year, was elevated to top spot in the ATP rankings for the first time on Monday.