Hijikata and Djokovic set for Paris Masters showdown

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 3 Nov, 19:50 · Archive

Rinky Hijikata beat Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 at the Paris Masters and will face Novak Djokovic in the next round.

Rinky Hijikata defeated world No. 21 Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-2 at the Paris Masters to set up a second-round tie with Novak Djokovic. The Sydney-based player, ranked No. 83, had qualified for the main draw by beating two higher-ranked players and produced a dominant performance against Darderi, who is ranked in the top 20. Hijikata has now beaten the Italian three times this year, having lost to him at Roland Garros in 2024 and the US Open in 2025.

Djokovic advanced to face Hijikata after defeating in-form Monegasque Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-1 in the first round on Tuesday. Serving at a set down and 4-4, the 24-time Grand Slam champion saved three break points before rallying to win. At 39, Djokovic became the tournament's oldest winner in its history.

Djokovic strengthened his position in the Race to Turin standings with the victory, moving to 10th place, just one point behind Alex de Minaur. The Australian No. 1, seeded eighth, is also competing for a place in the ATP Finals. Should Djokovic and de Minaur meet in the third round, the loser's Finals hopes may be significantly damaged. De Minaur must first beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round.

How it is being reported

• 'Old guy' wins at Paris Masters to set up Aussie duelA hard-fought victory for Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters has kept up the great man's belated hunt to make the ATP Finals in Turin.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 19:16
• 'Old guy' wins at Paris Masters to set up Aussie duelA hard-fought victory for Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters has kept up the great man's belated hunt to make the ATP Finals in Turin.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 19:16
• Djokovic in Aussie's sights after boilover in ParisAustralia's Rinky Hijikata has upset top-21 player Luciano Darderi for the third time this year to set up a potential tie with Novak Djokovic in Paris.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 17:08
• Djokovic in Aussie's sights after boilover in ParisAustralia's Rinky Hijikata has upset top-21 player Luciano Darderi for the third time this year to set up a potential tie with Novak Djokovic in Paris.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 17:08

In this story: Rinky Hijikata · Luciano Darderi · Novak Djokovic · Valentin Vacherot · Alex de Minaur · Paris Masters · ATP Finals

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log