Monaco outsider Vacherot stuns Djokovic

No. 204 Valentin Vacherot became the lowest-ranked finalist in a Masters 1000 event on Saturday as the Monegasque stunned four-time champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in their Shanghai semi-final.

The 26-year-old who played his university tennis at Texas A&M could face his cousin in the Sunday final if France’s Arthur Rinderknech beats Daniil Medvedev in the day’s second semi-final in China.

Vacherot arrived in China two and a half weeks ago standing nine spots out of qualifying rounds but slowly edged his way into that draw as various players withdrew.  

His main draw victims at the event included Holger Rune, Tallon Griekspoor and Alexander Bublik.

“To beat Novak… I’m not realising it,” the stunned winner said.

“This is crazy.

“Even to be on court with him was an unbelievable experience. I learned so much from this match and from Novak.

“It was an hour, 40 of pure joy. Not many people thought I could keep going. I’ll enjoy this win and think of the final tomorrow.”

Vacherot thanked his university coach, former ATP player Steeve Dent, for contributing to the success. 

“My coaches taught me to work hard to try and rise in the ranking,” said the player whose number will rise toward the top 50.

“Thanks to everyone who put a little brick in my career; they taught me to fight and that’s why I’m here today.”

Djokovic, the longtime former No. 1 now ranked fifth, was treated three times on court for lower back-glute muscle pain and was given a pain-killer by the tournament doctor.

The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion missed out on his sixth Shanghai final as he played his 50th career match at the event with only seven losses blotting his record here.

The 38-year-old looked close to possible retirement as he took his first medical timeout after the seventh game but ended up saving a match point before Vasherot finished off his upset with a service winner.

Main photo:-Valentin Vacherot celebrates beating Novak Djokovic – by ATPTour.com