World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot makes history with shock win over Novak Djokovic in Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic’s run at the Shanghai Masters has ended in the semifinals, with a straight-sets defeat to Valentin Vacherot.

Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world and having come through qualifying, is now set to become the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final.

Djokovic appeared to be struggling physically and nearly stopped playing after receiving medical attention late in the first set. Despite continuing, he couldn’t turn things around after dropping the opener.

The Serbian fell short of a comeback as Vacherot went on to seal a 6-3, 6-4 win and book his place in the final.

Valentin Vacherot reflects on victory over Novak Djokovic at Shanghai Masters

Speaking after the match, Vacherot said: “To beat him, I’m not realising, so I cannot put any word on it, like this is just crazy. I mean, crazy is a good way to say it.

“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.

“I don’t know how long it went, like an hour 40? It was an hour 40 of pure joy, even though not many people wanted me to keep going (smiles).

“He is really, really appreciated here. He has won four times, I think. I got a bit lost in all his titles when they were announcing him (laughs), but it was an unreal experience.”

Valentin Vacherot makes history at the Shanghai Masters

Valentin Vacherot has written his name into the record books, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to reach a Masters final. That distinction had belonged to Andrei Pavel since 2003.

Pavel was ranked 191st when he made it to the Paris Masters final, and while Borna Coric came close, no one had managed to top that mark until now.

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Along the way, Vacherot has taken down notable names like Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and now Djokovic. In the final, he’ll face either Daniil Medvedev or his cousin Arthur Rinderknech.