Novak Djokovic is perhaps the overwhelming favorite to win the Shanghai Masters, particularly following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal and Jannik Sinner’s retirement. The Serb will next lock horns with Valentin Vacherot, with the winner facing either 16th seed Daniil Medvedev or Arthur Rinderknech in the final of the Masters 1000 event.
Djokovic started his campaign in Shanghai with a 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Marin Čilić and followed it up by edging out Yannick Hanfmann 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The Serb then faced Jaume Munar and won a grueling encounter 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 to book his place in the quarterfinals. Here, he beat Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to reach his 11th semifinal in Shanghai.
Valentin Vacherot has been perhaps the surprise package of this year’s edition of the Masters 1000 event, with some splendid performances after qualifying for the main draw. The 26-year-old beat Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round before defeating 14th seed Alexander Bublik 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. He then reached the fourth round after 20th seed Tomáš Macháč wasn’t able to continue.
Vacherot then notched hard-fought wins over 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor and 10th seed Holger Rune to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semifinal.
Novak Djokovic vs. Valentin Vacherot Match Details
Date: Oct. 11, 2025
Tournament: Shanghai Masters
Round: Semifinals
Venue: Shanghai, China
Category: Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, TSN, Sky Sports
Djokovic vs. Vacherot Head-to-Head
The two have not had any prior encounters on the ATP Tour, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Djokovic vs. Vacherot Prediction
Djokovic has looked in fine form so far in Shanghai and will enter the match as the favorite to win. That said, Vacherot should not be written off as he looks in rhythm at the moment and could give the Serb a run for his money.
Djokovic’s first-serve numbers have been impressive so far at the Shanghai Masters, winning 171 out of 211 points (81.04%) on it, amassing 26 aces. The Serb has been serving very well lately and will be eager to fetch as many free points as he can. His fitness is not what it was a few years back so he will adopt a more aggressive approach and will aim to finish points early.
Vacherot has won 195 out of 262 points on his first-serve so far at the Shanghai Masters, amassing 38 aces. The Monegasque will look to dominate his service games while looking for the odd, decisive break. Vacherot will have to produce his best performance if he is to stand a chance of getting the better of Djokovic in Shanghai.
While the 26-year-old’s run has been nothing but spectacular, the Serb’s experience and mentality should see him come out on top and reach his second Masters 1000 final of the 2025 season.
Prediction: Djokovic to win in straight sets.