"It's an unreal experience," Vacherot's first words after his feat against Djokovic

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 11/10/2025 à 11h54

1 min to read

Djokovic Shanghai Vacherot

The sensation Valentin Vacherot will compete in the Shanghai Masters 1000 final.

Vacherot won't soon forget this incredible week in Shanghai. Coming from the qualifiers, the world No. 204 has become the lowest-ranked player to reach a Masters 1000 final.

After victories against Djere, Bublik, Machac, Griekspoor, and Rune, the Monegasque achieved an additional feat by taming Novak Djokovic in two sets (6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 42 minutes of play). On court for the ATP media, the main person involved reacted to his victory and was having trouble coming back down to earth.

"I'm having trouble realizing it. I can't put it into words, it's just crazy. Yes, that's it, crazy, that's the right word. But first, just being on the other side of the net (facing Djokovic) is already an incredible experience.

I have a lot to learn from this match and from a player like him. On a personal level, there are many things to keep. I don't know how long the match lasted. 1 hour and 42 minutes? It was 1 hour and 42 minutes of joy!

Few people in the stands wanted me to win; he's very popular here. He's won this tournament four times, I believe. I got a bit lost when they announced all his titles here.

More seriously, it's an unreal experience. Now, I'll just enjoy this victory tonight and think about tomorrow's final," Vacherot stated moments after his success.