Valentin Vacherot’s Australian Open campaign ended earlier this week when he lost to Ben Shelton in straight sets.
The Shanghai Masters champion, playing in his first Grand Slam main draw, defeated Martin Damm and Rinky Hijikata before facing Shelton on Saturday.
Shelton, the eighth seed, defeated Vacherot 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 on the Margaret Court Arena.
Shelton is searching for his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne; and he will play Casper Ruud in the fourth round on Monday.
As for Vacherot, the Monegasque star reflected on his Australian Open exit in a post on social media.
Valentin Vacherot reflects on his Australian Open exit
In an Instagram post, Vacherot said: “End of my Australian Open in Round three. Amazing experience to start my first Grand Slam inside the Main Draw. All I take from here is hope and motivation for the whole season.
“See you next year Melbourne. Thank you so much Hyatt for the support during my third round.”
Although Vacherot will have certainly hoped to make a deeper run at the event, he should be proud of what he accomplished in Melbourne.
The 27-year-old was playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam event for the first time in his career, and he did not look out of place.
After Vacherot’s spellbinding run to the 2025 Shanghai Masters title, many tennis fans would have wondered if Vacherot’s success would be short-lived.
In Melbourne, the Monegasque star has proven that this is far from the case; and he will undoubtedly be a major player at Grand Slam events in the future.
Valentin Vacherot makes history for Monaco
Vacherot became the first Monegasque player in tennis history to reach the third round of the Australian Open Men’s Singles event.
After his second-round victory in Melbourne, Vacherot reflected on his historic achievement.
It’s great. I’m trying to be the first for everything these days, but no, it’s great,” Vacherot said during his post-match press conference.
“I have a lot of pride behind me, the country. I know a lot of people follow me back home. A lot of people stayed awake, so I’m really glad about that. Happy to have won for them.
Y”eah, I don’t really look at all this, but of course, back of my head, it’s a little pride, yeah.”
Vacherot is set to make a significant leap in the ATP Tour rankings following the Australian Open’s conclusion on February 1.
The 27-year-old has gained 92 ATP points at the Australian Open. As a result, he is set to rise four places in the ATP rankings to world number 27.
If Vacherot were to achieve this ranking, it would be his career-high.
The Monegasque star will hope to continue his good form in February and give himself a chance of breaking into the ATP top 20.
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