In an unexpected twist at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Valentin Vacherot, the 26-year-old Monegasque qualifier, is poised to face tennis legend Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. This will mark Vacherot’s debut appearance in the last four of a Masters event, a stark contrast to Djokovic, who is making his 80th trip to this stage of a major tournament.
Vacherot secured his place in the semi-finals after a hard-fought victory against 10th-seeded Holger Rune, triumphing with a score of 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. The world No. 204’s journey has included remarkable wins over players such as Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik (seeded 14), Tomas Machac (seeded 20), and Tallon Griekspoor (seeded 27). As a result of his stunning performance in Shanghai, Vacherot is on track to enter the top 100 for the first time in his career, an impressive leap of over 100 places in the ATP rankings.
“I didn’t come [here] as a Qualifier, I came as an Alternate,” Vacherot reflected after his victory. “This is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more.” He expressed a mix of excitement and disbelief at his potential breakthrough, acknowledging the significance of breaking into the top 100 while maintaining focus on his game.
Vacherot’s quarter-final bout against Rune proved to be a test of endurance and skill, with the match stretching nearly three hours. The first set saw him struggle against Rune’s defenses before bouncing back in the second, showing mental fortitude to fend off break points and secure his monumental triumph.
On the other side of the draw, Novak Djokovic encountered his own challenges in the quarter-finals but ultimately emerged victorious against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, winning 6-3, 7-5 in a match lasting one hour and 50 minutes. Despite appearing strained at various moments, Djokovic’s experience allowed him to rally and secure the win, solidifying his position as the oldest semi-finalist in Masters history.
Djokovic had faced a grueling battle in the previous round against Jaume Munar, where he contended with illness and physical discomfort. In his quarter-final, Djokovic managed to overcome an ankle issue while demonstrating his resilience. He described his experience as one of survival on the court, noting the extraordinary conditions and the intensity of the match against Bergs.
The second semi-final will also unfold on Friday, featuring Daniil Medvedev against Alex de Minaur, along with a match between Arthur Rinderknech and Felix Auger-Aliassime. These fixtures will play a significant role in shaping the standings for the upcoming ‘Race to Turin’.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the captivating showdown between the rising star Vacherot and the seasoned champion Djokovic, promising an enthralling clash of experience versus potential.
