970x125
Novak Djokovic approached his relatively unknown opponent, the world’s No. 204 player, with a smile.
He had just suffered one of the most shocking losses of his career, falling to to Valentin Vacherot in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters, yet the tennis icon wanted to give his foe his proper credit.
“You deserve it,” Djokovic said. “You played unbelievable. … Keep going.”
With the 38-year-old Djokovic’s career winding down, Saturday morning’s result marked one of the wildest upsets he’s been on the wrong end of in his career, falling 3-6, 4-6 in straight sets.
Djokovic had been battling illnesses during this tournament and it seemed to affect him Saturday.
The Serbian star had vomited during previous matches while battling the heat and tough conditions, according to BBC.
Djokovic reportedly received medical treatment during Saturday’s match, including during the start of the seventh game when he took a lengthier break and laid on his back.
He did not want to focus on the physical issues after the loss.
“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters final,” Djokovic said, according to BBC. “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.”
Vacherot, 26, could not believe that he upset one of the sport’s all-time great competitors.
He will now face his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in Sunday’s final, and is the lowest-ranked finalist in an ATP Masters 1000 event ever, per BBC.
“I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real?” Vacherot said, per the outlet.
“To have Novak on the other side of the court was first of all an invaluable experience for me. I have a hundred feelings right now.”
