World no. 204 Valentin Vacherot is a Masters 1000 finalist! The Monegasque is through to his first ATP final in Shanghai following a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the four-time champion Novak Djokovic.
The legend struggled with left hip issues, giving everything but struggling to match the rival's pace. Valentin got broken in the first game of the encounter but made no errors after that, pushing the 24-time Major winner to the limits and extending his Chinese fairy tale.
Vacherot faced twobreak points in the first and last game of the duel. He lost serve once but raised his level and kept the pressure on the other side. Novak reached the semi-final with a massive help of his initial shot.
However, it did not work today, with the veteran giving serve away three times and ending on the losing side. They traded breaks at the beginning of the duel. Djokovic did not look well physically, especially after extended exchanges.
He stayed in touch until the eighth game before Vacherot broke him at 15 and moved in front. The Monegasque provided a fine hold in game nine to wrap up the opening set 6-3 and gain a boost.
Djokovic saved two break points at the beginning of the second set and remained in touch. However, Valentin followed his pace and delivered a decisive break at 4-4.
World no. 204 saved a break point while serving for the win at 5-4 and seized the second match point to seal the deal and provide a career-best triumph.
