ATP Tour

Gracious Djokovic focuses on Vacherot, not physical struggles after Shanghai loss: 'All about him'

After a tournament of physical challenges at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic chose to focus on praising his opponent following his semi-final loss against World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot.

“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters [1000] final,” Djokovic said. “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.”

Djokovic showed great perseverance throughout the tournament to reach the last four, and was within two victories of a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 title and first at the level since the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters.

But the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings was unable to navigate past the Monegasque qualifier Vacherot, who became the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history, in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting.

After the match, Djokovic graciously congratulated the 26-year-old at the net and opted to focus on the former college tennis standout at Texas A&M University rather than his ailments during the event. He did not discuss those struggles.

“It’s all about him,” Djokovic said. “I wish him all the best in the final, and the better player won today.”

After defeating former World No. 3 Marin Cilic in his opening match of the tournament without clear signs of difficulty, Djokovic began facing hurdles.

In the third round against Yannick Hanfmann, Djokovic had to overcome the humidity and appeared to vomit during a two-hour, 42-minute comeback win.

“It's the same for every player out on the court, but it's brutal,” said Djokovic, who shortened points during the match to turn the clash in his favour.

The 38-year-old again had to conquer more than his opponent in the Round of 16, receiving multiple medical timeouts for a leg issue in a two-hour, 40-minute triumph against Jaume Munar. He also frequently used an ice towel and threw up multiple times, laying on the court after losing the second set.

But Djokovic continued to battle through, once again showing his grit in the quarter-finals. he shook off what appeared to be a problem with his left foot to beat Zizou Bergs in straight sets.

“I was just trying to stay alive on the court,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad to overcome this hurdle.”

The four-time Shanghai champion did everything he could to find a way through against Vacherot on Saturday, even sticking his head in a courtside bucket to try to compose himself.

After saving break point in the first game of the second set, Djokovic fell to his knees. But the Serbian rose and continued to battle on, throwing everything at his Monegasque opponent, sending the crowd in China into a frenzy frequently with his shotmaking and athleticism.

Throughout the tournament, the crowds at the Rolex Shanghai Masters showed massive support for the 100-time tour-level titlist, both during matches and off the court. Djokovic expressed his appreciation several times, including on social media.

On this occasion, though, it was not enough. Vacherot advanced to the final and a gracious Djokovic departed the tournament’s centre court sharing a smile and a heart with his hands to thank the fans for their support.