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The world No.204 Vacherot troubled Djokovic with drop shots and punishing rallies and the Serbian No.4 seed, struggling to turn, took medical timeouts during both sets.

"This is just crazy ... just to be on the other side of the court [with Djokovic] was an unbelievable experience," Vacherot, who became the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP tour final in the open era, said.

Djokovic broke Vacherot in the first game of the match, but the 26-year-old immediately broke back and built a 4-3 lead, when the Serbian took his first medical timeout.

Vacherot won the next two games with ease to secure the first set, and put Djokovic through a 12-minute battle for the first game of the second set which the 38-year-old managed to win after saving two break points.

A double fault led to Djokovic losing his serve as Vacherot took a 5-4 lead that tipped the set in his favour.

"Such a pleasure to play at least once against you. Don't retire," Vacherot told Djokovic as both players shook hands at the net.

Four-times Shanghai Masters winner Djokovic congratulated Vacherot, who is set to break into the top-50 in the world rankings.

"Going from qualifications, it's an amazing story. I told him at the net that he's had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good and his game was amazing as well," the world No.5 said.

"So it's all about him. I wish him all the best in the finals and the better player won today."

Vacherot, who had  alread ensured a rise into the top 100 for the first time by defeating Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, has now risen 146 spots to No.58 in the world rankings as a result of his Shanghai run.

His previous career-high, reached last June, was No.110.

“It was an hour and 40 minutes of pure joy, even though not many people wanted me to keep going.

"[Djkovic] is really appreciated here. He has won four times. I got a bit lost in all his titles when they were announcing him, but it was an unreal experience.

"Now I’m probably just going to enjoy the win tonight and think about the final tomorrow.”