Rinky Hijikata almost did not play. Then he beat Novak Djokovic.

The Australian qualifier came from a set down to knock out the seven-time champion 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday in the second round of the Paris Masters.

Hijikata, ranked No. 83 in the world, had been bothered by a neck issue coming into the match.

"I wasn't sure whether I was going to take the court today, so I was happy I could come out and play," he said.

Forehand on fire

Djokovic cruised through the first set. Then everything changed.

Hijikata finished with 29 forehand winners in the match. The last one came on a Djokovic second serve to seal the win after two hours and 13 minutes.

He saved all three break points he faced in the final set.

"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," Hijikata said.

Djokovic's season likely over

The loss ended Djokovic's hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals. He needed a deep run in Paris to sneak into the field.

"He was just playing out of his mind, honestly. He was not missing, keeping the ball low. It was a terrific performance," Djokovic said.

The 24-time major champion was also tough on himself. "I should've won this match. I played well in the first set and then completely lost control," he said.

A career year

It was Hijikata's first win over Djokovic in three meetings. It was also his fourth career win over a top-20 player. All four have come this year.

He joins Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt as the only Australians to beat Djokovic.

Hijikata faces Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round.