Vacherot on his new status: "Shanghai changed everything for me"

The surprise hero of Shanghai continues to live a waking dream. From a Challenger player to a member of the world's top 40, the Monegasque is savoring every moment before his entry into the Rolex Paris Masters.

Valentin Vacherot will be one of the attractions of the week at the Rolex Paris Masters. Crowned to everyone's surprise at the Shanghai Masters 1000 two weeks ago, the Monegasque must now confirm his new status tournament after tournament.

The world number 39, present in Paris thanks to a wildcard, held a press conference today. He discussed this unexpected change in trajectory a month ago (comments relayed by L'Équipe):

"Everything that's happening to me is great. Even being here in Paris, it's thanks to this title. Even if I had won a few matches in a Grand Slam, I wouldn't be here. The Shanghai title completely changed my career, my ranking.

This title gave me a chance to play in Basel or here. I received wildcards, because otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to participate. It's fantastic. I still look at it all with the eyes of a child.

The main change is at the level of my tennis career. I went from playing 90% Challengers to 100% ATP Tour tournaments. And then I will also play the Grand Slams. That's what changes my life as a player most positively.

Me, as a person, I'm not going to change. There are a few more people who recognize me, who encourage me. There are still many people congratulating me today, it's nice. But soon, the season will be over, we'll have to turn the page and think about next season."