Novak Djokovic’s campaign at the Shanghai Masters has come to an end in the semifinals after losing to Valentin Vacherot in straight sets.
Vacherot, the world number 204 who came through qualifying in Shanghai, will become the lowest-ranked player ever to play in an ATP Masters 1000 final.
Djokovic struggled physically against the Monegasque star and looked close to calling a halt to the contest when receiving medical treatment towards the end of the first set, but he carried on.
After going a set down, however, the Serb could not complete the comeback, and Vacherot advanced, winning 6-3, 6-4.
Valentin Vacherot reacts to beating Novak Djokovic in Shanghai
Reacting to his triumph over Djokovic in his on-court interview, Vacherot said: “To beat him, I’m not realising, so I cannot put any word on it, like this is just crazy. I mean, crazy is a good way to say it.
“But first of all, to just be on the other side of the court was already an unbelievable experience. I think I’ve got so much to learn from this match, from him, and even for myself, I’ve got a lot to keep.
“I don’t know how long it went, like an hour 40? It was an hour 40 of pure joy, even though not many people wanted me to keep going (smiles).
“He is really, really appreciated here. He has won four times, I think. I got a bit lost in all his titles when they were announcing him (laughs), but it was an unreal experience. I mean, now I’m probably just going to enjoy the win tonight, think about the final tomorrow.”
Valentin Vacherot smashes the Masters record in Shanghai
Vacherot has surpassed Andrei Pavel to become the lowest-ranked player to appear in a Masters championship match, breaking a record that has stood since 2003.
Pavel reached the Paris Masters final ranked 191st that year, and while Borna Coric has since come close, no one had managed to best the Romanian until now.
| Player | Rank | Event |
| Valentin Vacherot | 204 | 2025 Shanghai |
| Andrei Pavel | 191 | 2003 Paris |
| Borna Coric | 152 | 2022 Cincinnati |
| Harel Levy | 144 | 2000 Canada |
| Roberto Carretero | 143 | 1996 Hamburg |
En route to the title bout, Vacherot has defeated the likes of Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and now Djokovic.
In the final, he will play either Daniil Medvedev or his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.
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