Vacherot Upsets Djokovic to Set Up Shanghai Masters Final Showdown with Cousin Rinderknech

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Vacherot Upsets Djokovic to Set Up Shanghai Masters Final Showdown with Cousin Rinderknech

In a thrilling turn of events at the Shanghai Masters, two cousins have secured a spot in the final. Qualifier Valentin Vacherot achieved a remarkable upset by defeating Novak Djokovic. The match ended with Vacherot winning 6-3, 6-4, marking his most significant victory to date. This triumph makes him the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, according to the ATP.

Historic Upset for Vacherot

Ranked 204th, Vacherot stunned Djokovic, who was aiming for his 100th career title. The match showcased Vacherot’s skill and determination, as he delivered a powerful performance throughout. Djokovic, suffering from a sore hip, took a medical timeout after going down 4-3 in the first set. His discomfort was evident, and he managed to win just one point in the following two games.

Rinderknech’s Comeback Victory

Alongside Vacherot, Arthur Rinderknech also made headlines by overcoming Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. Rinderknech battled back after losing the first set, eventually winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. This victory set the stage for a unique family showdown, as it will be the first time the cousins face each other on the ATP circuit.

Vacherot: 204th-ranked, upset Novak Djokovic.
Rinderknech: Beat Daniil Medvedev to reach the final.
Match Scores:

Vacherot vs. Djokovic: 6-3, 6-4
Rinderknech vs. Medvedev: 4-6, 6-2, 6-4

Quotes from the Players

After his victory, Vacherot expressed disbelief at his achievement. “Is this real? I don’t know,” he said. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an unbelievable experience for me.” Meanwhile, Djokovic acknowledged Vacherot’s performance, stating, “It’s all about him… the better player won today.”

Rinderknech shared his excitement about facing his cousin in the final. “In the best dreams, we couldn’t have dreamt about this,” he remarked. “We fought through so many matches, and now we are the guys standing at the end, so it’s just incredible.”

A Family Showdown Awaits

The final will not only determine the Shanghai Masters champion but also highlight an extraordinary family connection. As both players carry the Texas A&M legacy, the matchup promises to be a historic moment in tennis history.