Qualifier Valentin Vacherot Stuns Djokovic to Reach Historic Shanghai Masters Final
Novak Djokovic (right) will not win a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai this year

Qualifier Valentin Vacherot Stuns Djokovic to Reach Historic Shanghai Masters Final

Vacherot Stuns Djokovic to Set Up Historic Family Final in Shanghai

Qualifier Valentin Vacherot shocked the tennis world on Saturday by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the final of the Shanghai Masters.

The 26-year-old from Monaco, ranked 204th in the world, prevailed 6-3, 6-4 in a match that saw the injury-hit Djokovic visibly struggle with physical discomfort throughout.

This incredible result makes Vacherot the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 finalist in history.

“I’m trying to pinch myself — is this real?” said Vacherot after the match. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was already an experience of a lifetime.”

Djokovic’s Injury Troubles Continue

The 38-year-old Serbian was plagued by illness and injuries all week in Shanghai, including vomiting due to heat and humidity in earlier rounds.

In Saturday’s semi-final, Djokovic required multiple medical timeouts and was treated for a back injury, lying on his stomach shirtless while a physio attended to him.

Despite pushing through and leading 4-3 in the second set, Djokovic couldn’t keep up with the intensity and precision of his younger opponent.

“I told him at the net—his attitude and game were amazing. The better player won today,” said Djokovic, paying tribute to Vacherot.

Vacherot’s Meteoric Rise

Vacherot’s run in Shanghai guarantees a massive jump in the ATP rankings. Having defeated Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, he has now climbed 146 places and sits at world number 58 in the live rankings.

He’s also the first Monegasque player to reach an ATP Masters final.

Rinderknech Downs Medvedev to Set Up All-Cousin Final

Later in the evening, Arthur Rinderknech ensured Sunday’s final would be a family affair by defeating Daniil Medvedev in three sets: 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The 30-year-old Frenchman rallied from a set down to outlast the 2019 Shanghai champion, setting up a first-ever ATP final between cousins.

“No one in our family could have dreamed this,” said Rinderknech. “I was exhausted but just kept fighting.”

After the match, Vacherot returned to centre court to watch the end of the match and embraced his cousin in celebration.

What’s Next?

The all-family final between Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech takes place on Sunday at 09:30 BST in Shanghai, promising a unique and emotional showdown in ATP history.

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