Sensational Vacherot ousts an injured Djokovic to reach his maiden Masters 1000 final
Valentin Vacherot won against Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday night. He’ll play the winner of the match between Russian Daniil Medvedev, the No 16 seed, and Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the final
Valentin Vacherot and Novak Djokovic, Shanghai 2025 | © Andy Wong/AP/SIPA
The dream continues for Valentin Vacherot. This Saturday in Shanghai, the world No. 204 qualified for the first Masters 1000 final of his career by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center in Shanghai.
It was the first time he had ever beaten a Top 10 player on the ATP Tour. Since the creation of the Masters 1000 format in 1990, Valentin Vacherot (No. 204) is now the lowest-ranked player ever to reach a Masters 1000 final!
Riding a wave of confidence since the start of the tournament—which he entered through the qualifying rounds—the Monegasque showed no signs of intimidation against Novak Djokovic. The match was evenly balanced until 4-3 in the first set, when the Serbian called for the physio. Suffering from pain in his left glute area, he took a medical timeout for treatment.
Less effective in his movement and grimacing after rallies, Djokovic quickly lost his serve and the set, before sitting down with his head lowered. The hardest part then began for Valentin Vacherot, who had to resist the temptation of thinking the match was already within his grasp against an injured opponent.
I can’t believe it, I can’t find the words to describe this victory.
But the Monegasque held firm, despite missing break opportunities in the opening game of the second set. Thanks to medication and the physio’s treatment, Djokovic began to play better, but Vacherot managed to make the difference at the crucial moments, breaking at 4-4 and serving for the match.
The world No. 204 had to save a break point with a beautiful forehand volley before sealing victory on his second match point. He thus becomes the first Monegasque player in history to reach an ATP Tour final.
“I can’t believe it, I can’t find the words to describe this victory. It was an incredible experience to face him, and there’s so much to learn from this match. I’ll enjoy this win tonight, and tomorrow I’ll focus on the final,” said the winner after the match.
Vacherot, ranked No 204, will face the winner of the match between Russian Daniil Medvedev, the No 16 seed, and Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech next.
In the previous rounds of the Shanghai tournament, the Monégasque won against Dane Holger Rune, the No 10 seed (2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4), Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, the No 27 seed (4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4), Czech Tomas Machac, the No 20 seed (6-0, 3-1 ret.), Kazakh Alexander Bublik, the No 14 seed (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) and Serb Laslo Djere (6-3, 6-4).
Djokovic, ranked No 5, defeated Belgian Zizou Bergs (6-3, 7-5), Spaniard Jaume Munar (6-3, 5-7, 6-2), German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann (4-6, 7-5, 6-3) and Croat Marin Cilic (7-6 (2), 6-4) earlier in the tournament.
Shanghai Masters 1000, other semi-final result (Qi Zhong Tennis Center, hard, USD 9.193.538):
- Daniil Medvedev vs. Arthur Rinderknech
