Novak Djokovic shared a heartfelt message on social media after his semifinal loss to Valentin Vacherot at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, praising both the city and his opponent. Vacherot, ranked No. 204, defeated Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final.
Vacherot stuns Djokovic in Shanghai
In one of the most surprising results of the 2025 season, Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, during the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters. The 26-year-old qualifier, who entered the tournament as an alternate, continued his dream run by eliminating the top seed and booking a place in the final.
Vacherot’s performance was marked by composure and precision, breaking Djokovic’s serve early in both sets and holding firm under pressure. Djokovic, who had been battling physical discomfort earlier in the week, was unable to find his rhythm against the inspired Monegasque.
Djokovic’s message of respect and admiration
Following the match, Djokovic took to social media to express his appreciation for the city of Shanghai and to congratulate Vacherot on his breakthrough performance.
“Shanghai, you will always have my heart. 谢谢你所做的一切 🫶🏼” he wrote, thanking the city and its fans for their support.
He then turned his attention to his opponent: “And @val_vacherot, this is your moment. You played unbelievably and have made Monaco proud 🇲🇨. Bonne chance pour la finale.”
The message was widely shared and praised for its grace and sportsmanship, highlighting Djokovic’s respect for the game and its rising stars.
A historic moment for Monaco
Vacherot’s run to the final marks a historic achievement for Monaco, a nation with limited representation in top-tier tennis. His victory over Djokovic followed earlier wins against seeded players including Holger Rune and Alexander Bublik. With this result, Vacherot is expected to break into the top 100 for the first time in his career.
The final will see him face his cousin Arthur Rinderknech, who defeated Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal, setting up an all-family showdown in Shanghai.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
At the moment ranked no.5, the Serbian played his last match on the 11th of October when he lost to world no.204 Valentin Vacherot 6-3 6-4
in the semifinal in Shanghai (draw).Until now, during this year Novak has a compiled 35-11 record. The Serbian conquered 1 title in Geneva. Novak reached the final in Miami.
ATP Shanghai - Valentin Vacherot's projected path
Vacherot in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked world no.204, Vacherot owns a composed 41-22 record in 2025. Valentin is participating in Shanghai where he toppled 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, the world no.11 Holger Rune 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 and the world no.5 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4.
Valentin Vacherot will come up against the world no.54 Arthur Rinderknech in the final. Their head to head is 1-0 for Rinderknech.
The Monegasque was the finalist in the Francavilla Challenger.
Novak Djokovic and Valentin Vacherot squared off only on 1 occasion. Their record is 1-0 for Vacherot.