Valentin Vacherot stunned the tennis world at the Shanghai Masters. Ranked 204th, the Monegasque entered the qualifying draw as an alternate! He became a man on the mission and bested nine rivals en route to the trophy.
Thus, Valentin became the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion, writing one of the most beautiful tennis stories. In the semi-final, he toppled Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 42 minutes.
Speaking about the win against the greatest player of all time, Vacherot described it as a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment that defines his career.
Sharing the court with the 24-time Major winner in the latter stage of a notable event was already an achievement. However, emerging victorious in style turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
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Djokovic defeated four rivals and became the oldest Masters 1000 semi-finalist. However, he gave everything in brutal conditions, having nothing left in the tank against a qualifier.
Valentin outplayed the legend behind the first and second serve. He got broken once and delivered three breaks from six chances to emerge at the top and produce a stunner.
Novak clinched a break in the first game of the match. However, Vacherot kept his composure and took charge in the rest of the duel to outplay the four-time champion and remain on the title course.
Valentin came from a set down and beat his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech to lift a trophy and complete an incredible fortnight. As was expected, the Monegasque received a wild card for the Paris Masters.
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He scored a quick victory over Jiri Lehecka, extending his great run and arranging another duel against Rinderknech in the second round.
"I'm speechless. Victory over Novak brought a huge amount of emotion. Just stepping onto the court with the most decorated player of all time was incredible. Being able to compete against him and win is something I will never forget," Valentin Vacherot said.
