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Vacherot stunned Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 at the Shanghai Masters, becoming the lowest-ranked player and first Monegasque to reach a Masters 1000 final.
Valentin Vacherot stunned crowds in Shanghai as he overthrew Novak Djokovic (AFP)
History was made in Shanghai on Saturday as world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot produced a historic upset: defeating an ailing Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Shanghai Masters final.
The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco — ranked outside the world’s top 200 — not only handed Djokovic a rare straight-sets defeat but also became the lowest-ranked player ever to reach a Masters 1000 final.
A Shocking Upset in Shanghai
Djokovic, 38, was visibly struggling throughout the match. The 24-time Grand Slam champion vomited courtside, received multiple medical timeouts, and grimaced through extended treatment for apparent leg and back issues.
Despite breaking Vacherot in the opening game, the world No. 1 was quickly pegged back as the Monegasque underdog broke straight back and seized control of the match.
From there, Vacherot showed remarkable poise and power, breaking again in the eighth game and sealing the first set with a pair of thunderous aces.
Djokovic Battles, But Vacherot Holds Firm
Djokovic, battling both his body and the sweltering 31°C Shanghai heat, soldiered through the second set but never found his rhythm. He double-faulted twice in one crucial service game and even dropped to the court in frustration as his movement visibly deteriorated.
Vacherot, showing no nerves, held his serve under immense pressure to complete the biggest win of his career.
A Historic Milestone for Monaco
Vacherot’s fairytale run in Shanghai is unprecedented. No player ranked as low as No. 204 has ever reached a Masters 1000 final — a level of the ATP Tour just below the Grand Slams.
He’s also the first Monegasque player in history to reach the final of a Masters event.
Vacherot, who spent much of his career grinding on the Challenger Tour and college tennis circuit in the United States, will now face either his cousin Arthur Rinderknech or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final — an improbable all-in-the-family showdown if Rinderknech wins.
Djokovic’s Struggles Continue
For Djokovic, the loss marks a rare semi-final exit and highlights his ongoing physical struggles late in the season. The Serb had admitted after his previous match that he was “not feeling great” and concerned about his energy levels.
Still, the defeat does little to diminish his season, which already includes a 25th Grand Slam final appearance and multiple titles.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 11, 2025, 4:40 PM IST
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