Novak Djokovic failed to achieve the ultimate at his beloved Shanghai Masters. The veteran suffered a 6-3, 6-4 defeat towards world no. 204 Valentin Vacherot within the semi-final, experiencing one in all his career-worst defeat by way of rating.
Monegasque performed at a excessive stage and outpaced the legend who struggled with left hip points and required medical remedies. Nonetheless, Novak didn’t need to take something away from Valentin's spectacular triumph.
Embracing a handshake on the web, Djokovic acknowledged Vacherot's success and praised his recreation and angle. The 24-time Main winner backed the 26-year-old to go all the way in which and raise a trophy towards his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.
Nothing however respect 🫶
Regardless of registering his greatest ever victory, Valentin Vacherot confirmed muted celebrations towards the good Novak Djokovic ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ENdV7dtqhj
— TNT Sports activities (@tntsports) October 11, 2025
It was a gracious response from the four-time champion, who favored what he noticed from a participant who entered the qualifying draw as an alternate and introduced composed tennis.
As Novak emphasised, the day belonged to his rival, who deserved to beat him. Regardless of the Serb's bodily situation, the Monegasque's victory marks one of the crucial shocking outcomes of the season.
Valentin suffered a break within the first recreation of the match earlier than elevating his stage and outplaying the favourite. He performed towards solely two break level and saved the strain on the veteran.
Djokovic didn’t function in earlier matches, struggling along with his motion and by no means discovering his A-game regardless of taking painkillers. Nonetheless, the legend's response on the web was nothing however gracious, making his rival's career-best second much more memorable.
Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2025© Stream screenshot
For Vacherot, the victory marks a career-defining milestone and the continuation of a fairy story run that made him the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 finalist.
"I need to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters 1000 ultimate. Having to qualify for the principle draw, he has written an incredible story. On the web, I advised him that he has had an unimaginable match.
Extra so, I praised his angle and recreation, as they’re superb as effectively. It's all about him immediately, as he was a greater participant. I want him all one of the best within the ultimate," Novak Djokovic stated.
