Qualifying dark horse Valentin Vacherot pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history at the Shanghai Masters, ousting an ailing Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in Saturday's semifinals. Ranked world No. 204, the 26-year-old qualifier denied Djokovic a shot at a fifth Shanghai Masters title.
Vacherot will now face his French cousin, unseeded Arthur Rinderknech, in what will be a rare family showdown for the trophy. Rinderknech earned his spot with a gritty comeback, beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 after dropping the first set.
"I'm trying to pinch myself— is this real?" Vacherot said after the match. "I'm really proud of how I managed this mentally, and I didn't focus too much on the name on the other side of the net."
Djokovic, 38, battled physical issues throughout, receiving medical treatment and even vomiting at courtside. The 24-time Grand Slam champion praised Vacherot's run as "an amazing story" and conceded, "The better player won today."
By reaching the final, Vacherot becomes the lowest-ranked player ever to contest an ATP Masters 1000 final, underlining the unpredictable magic of sport.
Reference(s):
Vacherot ousts ailing Djokovic, sets up Shanghai final against cousin
cgtn.com
