BEIJING, China: Monaco’s world number 204, Valentin Vacherot, beat record grand slam winner, Novak Djokovic, 6-3, 6-4 in Shanghai yesterday to become the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
The 26-year-old qualifier’s fairytale run in China continued with a routine victory over the four-times Shanghai champion, who again struggled with his fitness at 38.
On Sunday, Vacherot will face either his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev for the title.
“I’m not realising [what’s happened], so I can’t give any words on it,” Vacherot said courtside.
“This is just crazy. First of all, to just be on the other side of the court [from Novak] was an unbelievable experience. I think I’ve got so much to learn from this match, from him. Even for myself, I’ve got a lot to keep.
“It was an hour and 40 minutes of pure joy, even though not many people wanted me to keep going. He’s 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.” – BERNAMA-dpa
