The 2025 Shanghai Masters 1000 witnessed one of the biggest shocks of the year: Valentin Vacherot, a Monegasque player who started the tournament in the qualifying rounds, defeated the legendary Novak Djokovic 6–3, 6–4 to reach his first-ever ATP final. With flawless tennis and unshakable belief, the world No. 204 pulled off a historic victory against one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history.

A Monegasque dream in Shanghai

What Vacherot has achieved borders on the epic. He arrived in China with modest expectations, just hoping to compete, and now finds himself one step away from claiming his first major title. His triumph over Djokovic, a four-time champion in Shanghai, marks a turning point not only in his own career but also in the history of Monaco tennis — a country that had never before produced a Masters 1000 finalist.

The Monegasque showed nerves of steel. He broke the Serbian’s serve in the first set and controlled the tempo of the match with fearless, aggressive tennis. He didn’t drop his own serve once and stayed composed even when Djokovic tried to mount a comeback in the second set. Every point Vacherot won was celebrated with quiet restraint, fully aware of the magnitude of the opponent standing across the net.

Djokovic, slowed by injury and fatigue

Veteran Novak Djokovic, who had already shown signs of physical discomfort earlier in the week, struggled once again with muscle problems that hampered his movement. The Serbian received multiple medical treatments during the match for pain in his ankle, adductor, and left glute, forcing him to slow down and rely more on instinct than athleticism.

Even so, the 24-time Grand Slam champion displayed flashes of his brilliance, battling with his trademark mental resilience. But this time, it wasn’t enough. Vacherot kept his composure and sealed the win with an ace that silenced the crowd.

With this victory, the 26-year-old will climb nearly 150 spots in the rankings, moving close to the Top 60 in the world. In the final, he could face a family showdown if his cousin Arthur Rinderknech defeats Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal.

The Shanghai tournament has already written its story: Djokovic bows out without adding a sixth title on Chinese soil, while Vacherot lives out a true fairytale, transforming overnight into the new sensation of world tennis.