Novak Djokovic showed the class of a champion after a humbling defeat to world No.204 Valentin Vacherot.
Monegasque Vacherot beat the Serbian legend 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters to continue a fairytale two weeks in China.
Djokovic lost in shock fashion but wasn’t willing to discuss an apparent injuryAFP The 38-year-old needed treatment throughout the defeatGettyThe 26-year-old became the lowest-ranked player to reach the final of a Masters 1000 tournament, taking down huge names from the top 20 in Holger Rune and Alexander Bublik.
Djokovic is a whole other level, though, and it’s fair to say that Vacherot had some help past the 38-year-old who was clearly struggling with a hip injury and needed multiple time outs.
Even Vacherot himself didn’t celebrate becoming the first Monegasque to reach an ATP Tour final, but his defeated rival wouldn’t take anything away from the victor.
“I want to congratulate Valentin… Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story… it’s all about him,” he said.
Djokovic snubs reporter
Djokovic was then asked about his participation in the final 1000 event of the season, the million dollar Six Kings Slam scheduled in Saudi Arabia from October 15 to 18.
He responded: “I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters final. Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story.
“I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well.
“So it’s all about him. I wish him all the best in the finals, and the better player won today.”
One more reporter asked about the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s physical condition, to which he replied: “No. Next question, please.”
Djokovic’s words at the net were picked up by the broadcast, with him heard telling Vacherot: “You deserved it, you really deserved it.
Djokovic praised his victor, and wouldn’t let his injury take away from the achievementAFP“You were brilliant, congratulations, brilliant.”
What did Vacherot say after beating Djokovic
Vacherot then replied to an idol in heartwarming fashion, saying: “I’m so sorry, you’re a champion. Don’t retire.”
Speaking to the media, he then added: “This is just crazy… just to be on the other side of the court was an unbelievable experience.
“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.”
Vacherot will rate his chances in the final, facing fellow outsider Arthur Rinderknech who downed world No.18 Daniil Medvedev.
Vacherot could now extend his fairytale with a final victoryGettyWill Djokovic retire?
As for Djokovic, another injury and headline defeat will only increase retirement speculation.
The record Grand Slam winner acknowledged that he’s no longer able to compete with world top two Carlos Sinner and Jannik Sinner after losing to the former at this year’s US Open.
“I lost three out of four Slams in semis against these guys, so they’re just too good, playing on a really high level,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set. I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that, I was gassed out, and Alcaraz kept going.”
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