Masters 1000 Shanghai, China.
Valentin Vacherot, ranked No. 204 in the world, made tennis history at the Shanghai Masters 1000. In just over an hour and a half, the 26-year-old from Monaco delivered the performance of his life, defeating Novak Djokovic (No. 5) by 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first-ever ATP final.
With this victory, Vacherot became the first Monegasque player ever to beat a Top 10 opponent and to advance to a Masters 1000 final. On Sunday, he will face his cousin, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech (No. 54), who overcame Daniil Medvedev (No. 18) in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Djokovic, visibly struggling under the intense Shanghai heat, appeared physically drained on the court that has felt more like a sauna throughout the week. Still, nothing should be taken away from Vacherot’s remarkable composure and fearless play, as he dictated rallies and maintained control from start to finish.
Unexpected triumphs like this one remind us that tennis always leaves room for fairy tales. Just like Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was ranked No. 213 when he stunned Roger Federer at the 2018 Miami Open, Vacherot’s victory over Djokovic will be remembered as one of those rare and inspiring moments when an underdog rewrites the script of the sport.