Valentin Vacherot shocked the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters 2025 semifinal on Saturday.
The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco dominated the match and denied Djokovic a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai. Vacherot maintained composure and capitalized on Djokovic’s physical struggles throughout the contest.
Djokovic entered the match with visible discomfort. He vomited courtside, took multiple medical breaks, and struggled with leg cramps. Despite breaking Vacherot in the opening game, Djokovic couldn’t sustain momentum. Vacherot broke back immediately and took control of the first set.
Djokovic’s movement deteriorated in the seventh game. He stretched repeatedly, collapsed once, and received treatment while lying shirtless on court. Vacherot broke again and closed the set with two aces.
In the second set, Djokovic fought through 31°C heat and 62% humidity. He held serve early but faltered in the ninth game with two double faults and another break. Vacherot held serve to seal the biggest win of his career.
“I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real?” said Vacherot. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was an invaluable experience.”
Djokovic, 38, had expressed concerns about his fitness earlier in the tournament. His exit marks one of the most unexpected defeats in recent ATP history.
Vacherot will face either Arthur Rinderknech or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final. Djokovic stunned by Vacherot becomes the defining headline of this year’s Shanghai Masters.
ALSO READ: Argentina Downs Venezuela 1-0 in Miami Friendly Without Messi
