Novak Djokovic fell just short of another ATP final after losing his Shanghai Masters semifinal with Valentin Vacherot.
Vacherot couldn’t believe he beat Djokovic, with the qualifier shocking the fourth seed 6-3, 6-4 in Shanghai.
Djokovic was struggling physically during the match, but he continued until the very end of their one-hour, 40-minute battle.
The Monegasque ace is currently aiming for his first ATP title at the Shanghai Masters, while Djokovic will now continue his wait for a 101st.
Vacherot is currently ranked 204th in the world, and remarkably now takes on his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final.
Novak Djokovic praised despite losing to Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters
Djokovic commended Vacherot’s attitude when they met at the net, and continued his praise of the Frenchman in his post-match press conference.
The Serbian twice refused to discuss his physical condition after the match, in favor of letting his opponent enjoy the limelight.
And that approach has now drawn heavy praise, with one fan writing on X: “Very classy from Djokovic… not a surprise.”
A second said: “That’s what separates him, doesn’t blame it on the injury or steals the moment from the young guy.”
Others commented: “Keeping it classy and humble, love it Novak” and “Exactly, the respectful and classy goat.”
And the praise for the 24-time Grand Slam winner didn’t end there, with other fans concurring, saying: “Class. Sheer class” and “Class act!”
Valentin Vacherot claims remarkable career record after beating Novak Djokovic
Vacherot is truly enjoying a dream run at the Shanghai Masters, having started out in qualifying late last month.
He beat seeded players Nishesh Basavareddy and Liam Draxl to reach the main draw, where Djokovic’s fellow Serbian Laslo Djere was his first victim.
The latest victory of his magical run means Vacherot has now earned $597,000 in Shanghai, with that figure more than his entire previous career earnings of $594,077.
Djokovic was one of six seeded players he overcame in the main draw, with Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, Tallon Griekspoor and Holger Rune also among his victims.
And the tough tests won’t stop, with his cousin Rinderknech also enjoying a superb run at the Shanghai Masters.
The Frenchman, who is also eyeing his first ATP title this week, has knocked out the likes of Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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