Valentin Vacherot’s unlikely run on the Rolex Shanghai Masters reached a historic peak Saturday because the Monegasque qualifier toppled four-time champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to succeed in the championship match. Ranked No. 204 within the PIF ATP Rankings, Vacherot grew to become the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 historical past, pulling off one of many greatest upsets of the season.
Because it so occurs, Vacherot will face his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, who beat former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev within the different semi, for the Shanghai title on Sunday.
Vacherot, 26, remained composed all through the match, capitalizing on Djokovic’s seen bodily struggles. The 38-year-old Serbian, showing to battle decrease again and hip points, twice sought remedy from event physiotherapists throughout the opening set. Regardless of his efforts to push via, Djokovic was unable to regain his standard fluid motion, permitting Vacherot to dictate play.
The qualifier transformed 78% of factors behind his first serve and struck 23 winners in contrast with Djokovic’s 9. Vacherot broke Djokovic within the first set instantly after the Serbian’s medical timeout and maintained management within the second set, closing out the match.
Vacherot, who entered the event as an alternate in qualifying, had already made waves by defeating No. 14 seed Alexander Bublik and No. 10 seed Holger Rune en path to the semifinals. With this victory, he’s assured of getting into the High 100 within the ATP rankings for the primary time, climbing 146 spots to No. 58. He additionally grew to become simply the sixth participant this century to succeed in a primary ATP Tour ultimate at a Masters 1000 occasion.
“That is simply loopy,” Vacherot mentioned after the match. “To start with, to only be on the opposite facet of the court docket [from Novak] was an unbelievable expertise. I feel I’ve received a lot to be taught from this match, from him.”
Djokovic, who has not gained a Masters 1000 title since 2023, provided congratulations however refused to debate his harm.
Vacherot’s victory over Djokovic not solely cements probably the most exceptional underdog runs in latest tennis historical past, but additionally raises questions in regards to the Serbian star’s skill to proceed competing on the highest degree amid the bodily toll of a protracted profession.
