Valentin Vacherot doesn’t want to wake up from sleep: “It’s crazy, I’m not aware yet”

Valentin Vacherot (204th in the world ranking) does not want to wake up from the dream he is living in the Shanghai Masters 1000. An incontestable victory, 6-3 and 6-4 over Novak Djokovic (5th), to reach the final of an ATP tournament for the first time in his career.

In the post-match note he did not hide the surprise that overwhelmed him: “I can’t say much because I’m not aware. It’s crazy. I’m going to enjoy the victory and tomorrow I’ll think about the final.”

In the same sentence he remembered that he always has to have his feet on the ground. In this case, in Chinese cement. Because whoever he beat is not just any rival: “Just being on the other side of the net is incredible, I have a lot to learn from this match.”

The player who has won the most titles, champion in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2018 and who has not won a Masters 1000 since 2023, could not obtain the 101st of his career or the second in 2025. He leaves Shanghai with a defeat and without the possibility of establishing himself as the oldest finalist in the tournament.

Vacherot, which will take a giant leap in the ranking, up to number 58 after winning the semifinal, from number 204 when the tournament started, he did not lose serve at any time. He did not falter when his opponent seemed to react in the second set. He did not want to express his happiness excessively, he respected everything that accompanies the figure of the Serbian and thinks about the title. It goes further.

All the action of the Shanghai Masters 1000 can be followed, live and exclusively, on Disney+ Premium Plan.