The sensational run continues
Outsider throws out legend Djokovic – and sets a record
October 11, 2025 – 1:32 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Outsider Valentin Vacherot’s sensational run in Shanghai continues. Now he also eliminated tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
Grand Slam record champion Novak Djokovic demonstrated mental strength in the semi-finals in Shanghai despite major physical complaints, but he was unable to stop his opponent’s sensational storm: The Serbian tennis superstar lost to qualifier Valentin Vacherot at the ATP Masters 3:6, 4:6 and thus missed out on a place in his sixth final in the Chinese metropolis.
For the Monegasque Vacherot, it is the greatest success of his career so far. “Just standing on the other side of the court was an incredible experience. I can learn so much from him,” said a visibly moved Vacherot after the surprising victory.
The 26-year-old is currently ranked 204th in the world – 199 places behind Djokovic. Never before had a player with such a low ranking reached the final of an ATP Masters. In the future, Vacherot will be among the top 60 in the world for the first time.
His final opponent has not yet been determined. In the second semi-final, Vacherot’s cousin Arthur Rinderknech will face Russian Daniil Medvedev. Rinderknech had previously prevailed against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic was in action in Shanghai for the first time since the US Open. However, it was clear early in the match that the 38-year-old was not in full possession of his strength. He repeatedly grabbed his hip and calf and sought medical treatment after around 30 minutes.
With his face contorted in pain, Djokovic returned to the court for the second set and then suddenly worked on the comeback in his typical manner: In desperate need, he fended off two break points in the first service game, but then the Serb suddenly seemed fully back in the game. At the end of the match, his opponent secured the advantage again.