Novak Djokovic’s upcoming opponent, Valentin Vacherot, has had an unexpected journey to the semifinals of the 2025 Shanghai Masters this week. As the first player from Monaco to reach this stage in an ATP Masters 1000 event, Vacherot’s ascent from World No. 204 to the top 100 is a testament to his determination.
In an interview, Vacherot shared his thoughts on facing the Serbian tennis legend, highlighting the significance of the match and his personal aspirations.
What Key Matches Defined Valentin Vacherot’s Path to Facing Novak Djokovic?
Vacherot’s path to the semifinals has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting from the qualifying rounds, he secured victories over players like Nishesh Basavareddy and Liam Draxl. In the main draw, he continued his momentum by defeating Laslo Djere in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. He then came from a set down to overcome 14th seed Alexander Bublik, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
A walkover in the third round due to Tomáš Macháč’s retirement propelled him into the Round of 16, where he battled past 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor, 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Vacherot faced 10th seed Holger Rune and staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set 2-6, winning the following two sets 7-6(4), 6-4 in a nearly three-hour match.
This victory secured his semifinal spot and propelled him into the ATP Top 100 for the first time, with a projected career-high ranking of No. 92. Following his quarterfinal victory, Vacherot said it would be “unreal” to face Djokovic.
What Are Vacherot’s Thoughts Ahead of His Semifinal Clash With Djokovic?
In a press conference following his quarterfinal victory, Vacherot elaborated about the significance of facing Djokovic. “Yeah, I started my career, and this is only my fourth season on the professional tour. I started my first full season in 2022. So I missed Roger. Roger stopped in 2022. I think I played maybe one tournament the same as Rafa. So I had no chance to play Rafa in my career,” he said.
MORE: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot Preview: Head-to-Head, Prediction for Shanghai Masters 2025
Reflecting on the opportunity to face Djokovic, he added, “And if I, who knows whenever Novak is going to retire, we know it’s rather sooner than later. So if I can play Saturday Novak it will be, it would just be, it would mean a lot to play at least one of the guys of the big three in my career.”
Djokovic reached his 10th Shanghai Masters semifinal by defeating Zizou Bergs in straight sets. A four-time champion at the event, he will also mark his 80th semifinal at the Masters 1000 level, becoming the oldest player ever to reach this stage at a Masters 1000 tournament.