Home SPORTS Valentin Vacherot Stuns Ailing Novak Djokovic to Reach Shanghai Masters Final

Valentin Vacherot Stuns Ailing Novak Djokovic to Reach Shanghai Masters Final

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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic's Shanghai Masters hopes dashed by Valentin Vacherot upset








Novak Djokovic's Shanghai Masters campaign ended in shock as Valentin Vacherot capitalised on the Serb's physical struggles to win 6-3, 6-4...


“I know not many of you guys wanted me to win...”


Novak Djokovic's hopes of claiming a record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters title were dashed on Saturday as he succumbed to world number 204 Valentin Vacherot. The 26-year-old Monégasque qualifier's 6-3, 6-4 victory marked a stunning upset, with Djokovic visibly struggling with injuries throughout the match.


Djokovic's physical struggles were evident as he threw up courtside and required multiple medical treatments, yet he still managed to persevere through two sets. Despite his valiant efforts, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis star was far from his best, and Vacherot capitalized on his opponent's weaknesses to claim the win.


Vacherot's victory not only marked a career-defining moment but also propelled him to a live ranking of world number 58. The young qualifier's impressive performance saw him overcome Djokovic's early breaks, ultimately sealing the win with a strong serve and precise gameplay.


The match was a testament to Vacherot's determination and skill, as he outmaneuvered a visibly ailing Djokovic to secure his spot in the Shanghai Masters final.


“I'm trying to pinch myself, is this real?” said Vacherot after the biggest win of his career.


“I know not many of you guys wanted me to win,” he told the crowd.


“To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an invaluable experience for me.


“I have a hundred feelings right now.”


Novak Djokovic, 38, had expressed concerns about his physical state after struggling with vomiting bouts, leg injuries, and fatigue throughout the tournament. However, he appeared to have overcome these issues, starting the match on a strong note by breaking in the first game.




The Serbian superstar looked alert and in control, but his lead was short-lived as Vacherot quickly broke back, restoring parity in the match. Despite the early break, Djokovic's fitness concerns seemed to have dissipated, at least for the time being, as he battled on with intensity.


Djokovic's struggles intensified in the seventh game when he began experiencing issues with his left leg. The discomfort forced him to stop and stretch multiple times, and he even dropped to the ground, clutching his leg in pain.




The Serbian tennis star's condition worsened, requiring an extended medical break. He lay shirtless on his stomach as the physio attended to his back, trying to alleviate the discomfort. Despite the treatment, Djokovic remained visibly uncomfortable, hitting a ball against the wall in frustration as he tried to shake out the pain in his leg.


Despite getting back on his feet, Djokovic remained visibly uncomfortable, his frustration boiling over as he hit a ball against the wall after struggling to shake out his leg. The pain was clearly affecting his movement.




Vacherot seized the opportunity, breaking Djokovic again in the eighth game with ease. The Monégasque qualifier then held serve in the ninth game, firing two aces to clinch the set. Djokovic's struggles persisted into the second set, despite receiving treatment during the break.


Djokovic battled through the first game, saving two break points in sweltering conditions (31°C and 62% humidity). He even fell to the ground at one point, but managed to hold his serve.




However, Djokovic's struggles resurfaced in the ninth game. After hitting two double-faults, he fought back but ultimately couldn't avoid the break. Vacherot seized the opportunity, holding serve and his nerve to seal the win in a tense finale.




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