Djokovic – Foto: @djokernole
Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the ATP, defeated Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters 1000 semifinal in China on Saturday (11). The match ended in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in 1 hour and 42 minutes. The upset denies the Serb a shot at a fifth Shanghai title and marks the tournament’s biggest surprise.
Djokovic, 38, struggled with physical issues, limiting his movement throughout the match. Vacherot, 26, capitalized on the opportunity, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to reach a Masters 1000 final. The Monegasque, a qualifier, will face his cousin, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, in Sunday’s final.
Vacherot’s run includes wins over top players, cementing his rapid ranking rise.
- He secures a top-100 spot next week, jumping 146 places to a provisional 58th.
- He’s the first Monegasque to reach an ATP elite event final.
- He played just 20 main-draw matches before this tournament, with no prior Masters 1000 hard-court experience.
Vacherot’s remarkable journey
Vacherot entered the qualifying as an alternate after player withdrawals. He won eight straight matches in Shanghai, four after dropping a set.
His serving consistency, with 65 aces in the tournament, was key to overcoming seasoned opponents.
Djokovic’s physical struggles
Djokovic broke early in the first game but lost the advantage immediately. In the seventh game, he stopped to stretch his left leg and fell.
He received medical attention twice in the first set, including back treatment. The 31°C temperature and 62% humidity worsened his condition.
In the second set, he vomited after the first game and required further care. Despite fighting for long rallies, he gave up breaks in the eighth and ninth games.
Key match numbers
Vacherot’s efficiency shone in critical moments. He converted three of six break points and won 44% of return points.
Djokovic’s unforced errors stemmed from his physical limitations. His Shanghai record includes 43 wins and four titles, but his 35-game win streak ended.
- Vacherot: 72% win rate on hard courts in 2025, with 15 victories in 21 matches.
- Djokovic: Sought his 101st ATP title but now eyes the ATP Finals in November.
- Tournament prize money: $9.5 million, with 48,000 spectators over the week.
Post-match reactions
Vacherot expressed disbelief after the match. He highlighted the honor of facing Djokovic and the lessons gained.
Djokovic praised his opponent’s attitude at the net. He acknowledged Vacherot’s deserved win and wished him luck in the final.
Family final in Shanghai
Rinderknech, who beat Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the other semifinal, hugged his cousin post-match. The two played college tennis together in the U.S.
The final at Qi Zhong Stadium promises excitement, with Vacherot signing the camera “Aggies on top,” referencing their university team. It’s their first professional tour clash.
Tournament significance
The Shanghai Masters drew global attention due to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s absences. Djokovic was the favorite, but weather conditions impacted play.
Vacherot, focused on consistency, aims for his first ATP 1000 title. His 72% hard-court win rate in 2025 underscores his potential.
Djokovic, hampered by injuries this season, will prioritize recovery. He leads the rankings with 11,450 points, but rivals like Sinner are closing in.
