In a stunning upset at the Shanghai Masters, qualifier Valentin Vacherot of Monaco defeated an visibly unwell Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Saturday, ending the legend’s quest for a fifth title and booking his own place in a historic final.
The 26-year-old Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, capitalized on Djokovic’s evident physical distress to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory. The win propels him into the final against either his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev, and etches his name in the record books as the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final.
An emotional Vacherot expressed disbelief after the match. “I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real?” he said, acknowledging the crowd’s overwhelming support for his celebrated opponent. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was first of all an invaluable experience for me.”
The match took a dramatic turn early on. After a promising start where Djokovic broke serve in the first game, his physical condition rapidly deteriorated. He began experiencing clear discomfort in his left leg, leading to an extended medical timeout during the first set where he received treatment on his back while lying shirtless on the court.
Despite the challenging conditions of 31°C heat and significant humidity, Djokovic fought on but was visibly hampered, often shaking out his leg and showing frustration. His movement severely restricted, Vacherot seized the opportunity, breaking serve late in both sets to clinch the biggest win of his career.
Djokovic, who had previously voiced concerns about his health during the tournament, was gracious in defeat. He praised Vacherot’s performance and attitude at the net, stating, “the better player won today.” However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion declined to elaborate on the specifics of his physical state following the match.
This victory marks a fairytale run for Vacherot, whose previous achievements were overshadowed by his famous opponent’s struggle, creating a poignant and unexpected chapter in the Shanghai Masters’ history.