Boris Becker applauded Novak Djokovic for the way he handled his Shanghai Masters semifinal as the German tennis icon declared the Serb "a class act."
After Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Shanghai and Jannik Sinner exited the event early, Djokovic looked primed to win his first Masters title since 2023. Sadly for the former world No. 1, his hopes of making it all the way abruptly ended on Saturday after 204th-ranked qualifier Valentin Vacherot handed him a 6-3 6-4 defeat.
Moments after the match, the record 24-time Grand Slam champion had a very special message for Shanghai sensation Vacherot, telling him: "You deserve it. You played unbelievable. Keep it going."
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The Monegasque responded by telling Djokovic: "Such a pleasure to play at least once against you... Don't retire!" Monegasque told the 38-year-old.
Becker praises Djokovic
After issuing a classy message to Vacherot that went viral, Djokovic added more on social media.
"Shanghai, you will always have my heart. And @val_vacherot, this is your moment. You played unbelievably and have made Monaco proud," the Serb wrote on X after the match.
Responding to the former world No. 1's post, Becker wrote: "Youre just a class act!"
After beating Djokovic, the world No. 204 capped off his dream Shanghai run by beating Arthur Rinderknech 4-6 6-3 6-3 to lift his maiden ATP title at the Masters category.
Prior to this year's Shanghai edition, the 26-year-old's only Masters appearances came in his home tournament in Monte Carlo - where he played as a main draw wildcard three times.
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On Monday, Vacherot will improve 164 spots on the ATP rankings and be ranked at NO. 40.
