Shanghai – Valentin Vacherot has stunned the tennis world with an unexpected run at the Shanghai Masters, culminating in a historic semi-final victory over Novak Djokovic. The 26-year-old, currently ranked No. 204 in the world, defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-4, becoming the lowest-ranked player to ever reach a Masters 1000 final.
Vacherot's improbable journey began as an alternate in the qualifying rounds. Now, he stands one win away from completing a true fairytale at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center. "Is this real? I don't know," Vacherot said after his victory. "To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an unbelievable experience for me".
Djokovic, visibly struggling with a sore hip throughout the match, received medical treatment during the first set. Despite the physical challenges faced by his opponent, Vacherot remained composed, capitalizing on the opportunities and showcasing impressive mental fortitude. He won 78% of his first-serve points and struck 23 winners compared to Djokovic's nine. Even when facing a break point in the final game, Vacherot held his nerve to secure the victory. Djokovic, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Vacherot's superior performance, telling him, "You deserve it. You played unbelievable. Keep it going".
Vacherot's success in Shanghai marks a turning point in his career. Before this tournament, his career-high ranking was No. 110, achieved in June 2024. He had one Challenger title from Nonthaburi in 2022 and several ITF titles. By reaching the Shanghai final, Vacherot has guaranteed himself a Top 100 debut and has risen to No. 58 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
This achievement also carries significant weight for Monaco. Vacherot is the first player from the principality to reach the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 event. "We have a bunch of young kids that train every day and just the videos of seeing them jumping around when I win... What's in my heart, the most important," Vacherot said, highlighting the impact of his success on the next generation of tennis players in Monaco. Monaco, known for its luxury and as the host of the Monte Carlo Masters, has not been a prominent source of tennis competitors. Vacherot's unexpected success is putting Monaco on the map in a new way.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the story, Vacherot could face his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in the final. Rinderknech was set to play Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final. Vacherot, who played college tennis at Texas A&M University, is coached by his half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, a former professional tennis player.
Regardless of the outcome of the final, Valentin Vacherot's run at the Shanghai Masters will be remembered as a historic moment for both the player and the nation of Monaco. His journey from a qualifying alternate to a Masters 1000 finalist is a testament to perseverance, mental strength, and the unpredictable nature of tennis.
