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A struggling Novak Djokovic was eliminated from the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on Saturday by Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world.
The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco defeated Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, preventing him from securing a record-setting fifth title in Shanghai.
“I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real,” said Vacherot after the biggest win of his career.
“I know not many of you guys wanted me to win,” he told the crowd.
“To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of al,l an invaluable experience for me.
Despite being visibly unwell, Djokovic received medical attention multiple times but still managed to compete through both sets, though he was not at his peak performance.
Vacherot will face either his cousin, unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday.
Djokovic, 38, had expressed concern about his physical condition after struggling with vomiting, leg injuries, and exhaustion throughout the tournament. Initially, the 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared sharp and enjoyed a promising start by breaking serve in the opening game. However, this was short-lived as Vacherot quickly broke back.
The former world number one began to experience issues with his left leg early in the seventh game, often pausing to stretch and even dropping to the ground at one point. He needed an extended medical timeout, lying face down without his shirt while a physiotherapist worked on his back.
After getting back up, he still appeared to be in discomfort, showing his frustration by hitting a ball against the wall after having to shake out his leg once more.
With Djokovic clearly unable to move properly, Vacherot easily broke serve again in the eighth game, then served two aces to maintain his serve in the ninth and secure the first set.
Djokovic underwent further treatment during the break but continued to struggle in the second set.
In conditions of 31°C and 62 per cent humidity, Djokovic held serve in the opening game, despite facing breakpoints twice and collapsing to the ground at one point.
While serving in the ninth game, he committed two double-faults in quick succession before regrouping, only to be broken again after making an additional error.
Despite Djokovic’s late attempt to rally, Vacherot maintained his serve and composure to clinch the victory.
