Carnage in France as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev crash out of Paris Masters

Their defeats came after Rafael Jodar and Alex de Minaur also exited early in the Paris tournament, handing Djokovic the chance he was hoping for to seal his place in the end-of-season ATP Finals for a 19th time in his incredible career. But it was not to be.

As Djokovic won the first set against Rinky Hijikata, the Serbian legend appeared to be closing in on another improbable achievement, but Djokovic faded physically as his Australian opponent upped his game and secured a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 win.

Djokovic appeared to rush through the final games in the match as he struggled with a physical ailment and an opponent who raised his game to a high level, as he was forced to accept his final big target of 2026 would not be achieved.

"Disappointment, obviously, losing a match that I felt like I was dominating for a set and a few games," said the Serb.

"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."

Elsewhere, Lorenzo Musetti upset new world number one Zverev 7-6(5), 6-2 to reach the third round.

Zverev looked poised to take control when he was 5-2 up in the first-set tie-break. However, Musetti raised his level, uncorked powerful groundstrokes from both wings and reeled off five consecutive points to snatch the opener. The Italian took that momentum into the second set and cruised to a classy finish.

"It's pretty shocking the level I was able to play in front of Sascha, who was serving really well, especially in the first set," Musetti said in his on-court interview.

"It was really close. It could have gone both ways. The key was to stay there at 5/2. I played five great points in a row."

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