Valentin Vacherot, the unheralded Monégasque rising star, delivered one of the most shocking results of the 2025 Shanghai Masters by defeating four-time champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to secure a place in his first ATP Masters 1000 final. In the aftermath of the semifinal, Vacherot described the victory as “crazy,” reflecting both his disbelief and excitement at the historic milestone in his career.
How Did Valentine Vacherot Overcome the Odds to Reach His First Masters 1000 Final?
Vacherot’s journey to the Shanghai semifinals has captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. Ranked World No. 204 at the start of the tournament, he became the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final. He started in the qualifying rounds and overcame a series of higher-ranked opponents. Vacherot’s rapid ascent is projected to propel him into the top 100 with a career-high ranking of No. 58.
Vacherot began his campaign in the qualifiers, defeating Nishesh Basavareddy and Liam Draxl. In the main draw, he cruised past Laslo Djere, 6-3, 6-4, before rallying from a set down to topple 14th seed Alexander Bublik, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
A third-round walkover from Tomáš Macháč brought him to the Round of 16, where he outlasted 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor, 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4. His quarterfinal clash with 10th seed Holger Rune was a nearly three-hour battle, with Vacherot recovering from a 2-6 first set to win 7-6(4), 6-4.
What Were Vacherot’s Thoughts After His Surreal Victory Over Novak Djokovic?
After his monumental victory over Djokovic, Vacherot reflected on the surreal nature of the achievement during his on-court interview. “To beat him, I’m not realizing, so I cannot put any word on it. Like, this is just crazy,” he said.
The moment HISTORY was made 🤩
From an Alternate to the Final, Valentin Vacherot has booked himself a spot in Sundays showdown 💪#RolexShnaghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/pqLaGhbhpb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2025
“But first of all, to just be on the other side of the court was already an unbelievable experience. I think I’ve got so much to learn from this match from him. And even for myself, I’ve got a lot to keep. It was just like, I don’t know how long he went, like an hour for… As I said, not many people wanted me to keep going.”
“Just to be on the other side of the court was an unbelievable experience” 🔊
A moment Valentin Vacherot won’t be forgetting in a hurry 😍#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/sI6FQgquyg
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2025
He continued: “It’s really, really, really appreciated here. One, four times, I think, if I heard… I got a bit lost in all his titles when they were… I don’t think him, but now, but on your experience. And I mean, now I’ve probably just going to enjoy the win tonight and think about the final tomorrow.”
Looking ahead, Vacherot is set to face either his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, or 2019 champion Daniil Medvedev. Rinderknech, ranked No. 54 at present, advanced to the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-4 win over 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, while Medvedev triumphed 6-4, 6-4 over Alex de Minaur.