Paris breakthrough: Vacherot keeps confidence high after stunning Shanghai triumph

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Valentin Vacherot grabbed his first win since Shanghai at the 2025 Paris Masters, easing past Jiri Lehecka 6-1, 6-3.

The 25-year-old Monegasque then picked up where he left off by beating Lehecka in straight sets to move into the second round in Paris.

His performance had everything: sharp movement, solid serving, and confident play from both the baseline and net. It was a complete showing that looked a lot like the player who stunned everyone in Shanghai.

After the match, Vacherot spoke to Prakash Amritraj on court about what it meant to him, especially given how little time he had to enjoy his recent success before jumping back into the Tour schedule.

Valentin Vacherot describes life on the ATP Tour as ‘living a fairytale’

Vacherot was clearly enjoying himself in Paris, especially after getting the better of Lehecka in his tournament debut.

He went on to add: “I think it is more than I can enjoy. That’s why I’m playing so well. I’m enjoying every second.”

The Monegasque has thrived since taking down Shanghai, and appears to be relishing his time in Paris so far.

“A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have believed anyone telling me that I would be here playing this tournament with my own ranking,” he said.

The pair will meet again in round two of the Paris Masters, a rematch that comes just weeks after their title clash in China.

Vacherot continued: “Of how he competed yesterday, it was such a tough match against Fabian [Marozsan], he probably didn’t play the way he wanted.”

“Me, maybe I’m surfing a bit more on my confidence, I’m playing really well, enjoying what’s happening. Playing a really good match against Jiri [Lehecka], who is top 20.

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The match lasted only 54 minutes, making it the fastest defeat of Lehecka’s professional career.

He lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening round in Basel and then managed just one more game against Vacherot in Paris, totalling just eight games won across those two matches.

That won’t be a comforting sight for Czechia’s Davis Cup captain Tomas Berdych either, especially with a trip to Bologna looming.

Czechia, who secured their spot in the final eight after defeating the USA in the playoffs, will be aiming for their first Davis Cup title since 2013.

The team is seeded fourth for the event but faces a tough draw against Carlos Alcaraz’s Spain in the quarter-finals.

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Czechia now faces a tough quarterfinal against Spain in Bologna, with the tie set to be played on Wednesday, November 19. The 2025 Davis Cup Finals begin a day earlier, on Tuesday, November 18.