In a stunning upset at the Shanghai Masters, World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot defeated Holger Rune, ranked 11th globally. This victory has positioned Vacherot as the lowest-ranked player to reach the semi-finals of an ATP 1000 event in 26 years.
Historic Win for Valentin Vacherot
The match concluded with a score of 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4. Vacherot’s remarkable performance involved converting his third match point, culminating in a dramatic two-and-a-half-hour encounter on the court. This triumph marks Vacherot as the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP Tour semi-final.
Challenging Conditions
During the match, both players contended with the intense heat and humidity of Shanghai. Vacherot faced additional challenges due to blisters on his right foot, while Rune received treatment for cramps in the decisive set. Despite these hurdles, Vacherot expressed his elation post-match, stating the win was “unbelievable” and a significant step towards breaking into the top 100 rankings.
Journey to the Semi-Finals
Vacherot’s journey through the tournament has been notable. Throughout the week, he achieved victories against several top-32 players:
- Alexander Bublik
- Tomas Machac
- Tallon Griekspoor
His win against Rune not only set a record but also highlighted him as the first qualifier to reach the semi-finals in the tournament’s history. Previously, the record was held by Chris Woodruff, who reached the Indian Wells semi-finals as World No. 555 in 1999.
Upcoming Semi-Final Against Novak Djokovic
Vacherot is set to face the legendary Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals after Djokovic’s win over Zizou Bergs. Reflecting on this opportunity, Vacherot remarked on the significance of playing against one of the “Big Three” in professional tennis.
This remarkable achievement is expected to elevate Vacherot into the top 100 for the first time in his career. The tennis community will be keenly watching this match as Vacherot continues to defy expectations at the Shanghai Masters.
