🎾 In an epic twist, Monaco qualifier Valentin Vacherot (world No. 204) stunned Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters semifinals, denying the 24-time Grand Slam champ a shot at a record fifth Shanghai trophy.
After the shock win, Vacherot said, "I'm trying to pinch myself—is this real?" He praised his own mental game, refusing to get star-struck by Djokovic on the other side of the net.
Next up is a feel-good twist: Vacherot will face his French cousin Arthur Rinderknech in Sunday's final. Rinderknech, unseeded, bounced back from a set down to beat Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Djokovic fought through physical woes all match—even vomiting courtside and needing medical timeouts—but still hailed Vacherot's run as "an amazing story" and admitted, "The better player won today."
Vacherot makes history as the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final. For tennis fans in South and Southeast Asia, this family final is a must-watch! 📱🔥
Catch the final live on your mobile and join the conversation with #ShanghaiMasters, #Vacherot, and #FamilyFinal. Who's your pick? 🙌
Reference(s):
Vacherot ousts ailing Djokovic, sets up Shanghai final against cousin
cgtn.com
