Valentin Vacherot Wins Shanghai Masters After Beating Djokovic and Cousin
In a stunning upset at the Shanghai Masters, world number 204 Valentin Vacherot claimed the ATP Masters 1000 title on October 12, 2025. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who entered the tournament as a last-minute alternate in qualifying, defeated top seed Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals before overcoming his own cousin in the final.
Vacherot’s journey began humbly. He had to win three qualifying matches just to enter the main draw. From there, he battled through nine straight victories, including wins over three top-20 players. His run captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide, turning him into an overnight sensation.
The semi-final against Djokovic was the highlight. The 38-year-old Serbian, who was dealing with an injury, struggled throughout the match. Vacherot stayed focused and won 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets. This victory marked the biggest win of Vacherot’s career and sent him to his first ATP final.
In the championship match, family ties added extra drama. Vacherot faced his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, also a Frenchman ranked 75th in the world. The two players share a close bond, but on the court, it was all business. Vacherot lost the first set 4-6 but bounced back to take the next two 6-3, 6-3. The win made history: Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player ever to lift a Masters 1000 trophy.
After the match, Vacherot called it a dream come true. “Beating Novak was unreal, and playing my cousin made it emotional,” he said. Djokovic praised his opponent’s skill, saying Vacherot deserved the title for his grit and strong serve.
This victory boosts Vacherot’s ranking and opens doors to bigger tournaments. For Djokovic, it ends a tough week, but he remains a legend with 24 Grand Slam titles. The Shanghai Masters once again delivered surprises, reminding fans why tennis is so unpredictable.
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