Tennis

Novak Djokovic Vs Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai Masters: Qualifier Stuns Serbian To Enter Final

Two cousins will meet in the final of the Shanghai Masters after qualifier Valentin Vacherot stunned a hobbled Novak Djokovic on Saturday (October 11, 2025) to set up a title meeting with relative Arthur Rinderknech. The 204th-ranked Vacherot earned the biggest win of his career by downing Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 and becoming the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, the ATP said. While Djokovic was aiming to add to his 100 career titles, the 26-year-old Vacherot will go for number one — against his cousin and fellow Texas A&M alum.

China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_1
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, reacts as he plays against Valentin Vacherot, of Monaco, during the men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

2/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_Emily Snyder
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Emily Snyder, girlfriend of Valentin Vacherot of Monaco celebrates with team members after Vacherot defeated Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

3/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_3
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Valentin vacherot of Monaco reacts after scoring a point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

4/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_4
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Valentin vacherot of Monaco serves to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

5/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_5
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a forehand shot from Valentin Vacherot of Monaco during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

6/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_6
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Valentin vacherot of Monaco returns a forehand shot to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

7/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_7
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a backhand shot from Valentin Vacherot of Monaco during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

8/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_8
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Valentin Vacherot of Monaco serves to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

9/9
China Tennis Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot_9
Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Vacherot | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a backhand shot from Valentin Vacherot of Monaco during their men's singles semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

CLOSE