World number 204 Valentin Vacherot produced a sensational upset at the Shanghai Masters, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final. The qualifier from Monaco became the lowest-ranked player to make a Masters final since the series was introduced in 1990.
Djokovic, the fourth seed, appeared off the pace throughout the contest at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, taking medical timeouts in both sets as he struggled to move freely. Vacherot, meanwhile, kept his composure with sharp drop shots and aggressive baseline play that repeatedly unsettled the Serbian.
“This is just crazy… just to be on the other side of the court with Djokovic was an unbelievable experience,” said the 26-year-old Vacherot, who is the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP Tour final in the Open era.
Djokovic broke early in the opening set, but Vacherot immediately responded and went 4-3 up before the world number one called his first medical timeout. The Monaco player seized the momentum, taking the next two games comfortably to claim the first set.
In the second set, Djokovic battled through a gruelling 12-minute opening game, saving two break points to hold serve, but a costly double fault later handed Vacherot a decisive break for a 5-4 lead. The qualifier held his nerve to close out the match and seal the biggest win of his career.
“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters final. Coming from the qualifiers, it’s an amazing story,” Djokovic said afterwards. “I told him at the net that he’s had an incredible tournament his attitude and his game were both excellent. The better player won today.”
Vacherot’s cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, was due to face 16th seed Daniil Medvedev later on Saturday in the other semi-final.
