In a stunning upset at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals on Saturday, becoming the lowest-ranked player in ATP Masters 1000 history to reach a final.
The qualifier from Monaco produced an exceptional performance, keeping his composure against the top-seeded Djokovic. Vacherot’s consistency on serve and aggressive baseline play helped him secure one of the biggest wins of his career. The 26-year-old broke Djokovic once in each set and saved all the break points he faced, sealing victory in straight sets.
Djokovic, who appeared physically affected during the match, struggled to find rhythm and was seen receiving treatment for back discomfort. The Serbian star was “hampered by injury” and couldn’t match Vacherot’s energy levels after a demanding week that had already tested his endurance.
The loss ends Djokovic’s bid for another Masters 1000 title, a tournament where he has historically dominated. Despite the setback, he still made history earlier in Shanghai by reaching his 80th career Masters semifinal, a record that underscores his longevity at the top of men’s tennis.
Vacherot’s fairytale run will now continue in the Shanghai Masters final, where he awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Rinderknech. His remarkable journey from qualifier to finalist is being hailed as one of the most inspiring underdog stories of the 2025 ATP season.
