Valentin Vacherot reaches the Shanghai semifinal after stunning Holger Rune, becoming the second-lowest ranked ATP Masters 1000 semifinalist since 1990
Historic Run in Shanghai
Valentin Vacherot, ranked No. 204 in the world, delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 ATP season by defeating Holger Rune to reach the semifinals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. His 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over the 10th seed marked a career-defining moment and placed him in elite company as one of the lowest-ranked players to reach this stage of an ATP Masters 1000 event.
Since the format’s inception in 1990, only Chris Woodruff—ranked No. 550 at Indian Wells in 1999—has reached a Masters 1000 semifinal from a lower position in the rankings.
Lowest-Ranked ATP Masters 1000 Semifinalists
-
Chris Woodruff: World No. 550
-
Valentin Vacherot: World No. 204
-
Andrei Pavel: World No. 191
-
Borna Coric: World No. 152 (tied)
-
Henri Leconte: World No. 152 (tied)
Vacherot’s achievement places him second on this historic list, underscoring the rarity and significance of his run in Shanghai.
A Grueling Battle
The match lasted two hours and 59 minutes under humid conditions, with Vacherot showing remarkable resilience. After dropping the first set, he held firm in the second, winning the tiebreak and capitalizing on Rune’s physical struggles in the third. Rune called for the trainer twice to treat his right leg, but continued to fight, forcing Vacherot to save two break points before closing out the match on his second opportunity.
Vacherot’s ability to stay composed under pressure was key to his success. He has now come back from a set down in five of his seven matches in Shanghai, including two in qualifying.
Climbing the Rankings
With this win, Vacherot is projected to break into the Top 100 for the first time, jumping 112 spots to No. 92 in the live ATP rankings. The 26-year-old Monegasque qualifier will next face either Novak Djokovic or Zizou Bergs in the semifinals, aiming to reach his first tour-level final.
A Dream Realized
Speaking after the match, Vacherot reflected on the emotions of playing on center court in Shanghai.
“I dreamed my whole life for these moments. It really feels amazing. It gives me that boost of energy to go out and compete, fight, and chase my dreams.” — Valentin Vacherot
His journey from the qualifying rounds to the final four has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tennis and the power of perseverance.
The second lowest ranked Masters 1000 Semi-Finalist âś…
1. Chris Woodruff: World No. 550
2. Valentin Vacherot: World No. 204
3. Andrei Pavel: World No. 191
5T- Borna Coric: World No. 152
5T- Henri Leconte: World No. 152#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/TWAETQ38UO— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 9, 2025
ATP Shanghai - Valentin Vacherot's projected path
Vacherot in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025
LLWWLWLWWW Currently ranked no.204, the Monegasque has managed to achieve a 40-22 win-loss record in 2025. Valentin is playing in Shanghai where he managed to beat the world no.113 Nishesh Basavareddy 6-7(7) 6-4 6-2, the world no.119 Liam Draxl 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4, the world no.82 Laslo Djere 6-3 6-4, the world no.17 Alexander Bublik 3-6 6-3 6-4, the world no.23 Tomas Machac 6-0 3-1 ret., the world no.31 Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(1) 6-4 and the world no.11 Holger Rune 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4.
The Monegasque was the finalist in the Francavilla Challenger.
