Valentin Vacherot Achieves a Stunning Victory Over Holger Rune to Claim a Spot in the Shanghai Masters Semifinals
In one of the most remarkable upsets of the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, Valentin Vacherot, an underdog from Monaco, defeated the tournament’s 10th seed, Holger Rune, in a thrilling and hard-fought quarter-final match. This win marks the most significant triumph of Vacherot’s career thus far and propels him into the semifinals of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai.
Despite starting the match on a shaky note, Vacherot, ranked No. 204 in the world, demonstrated incredible resolve and stamina. After losing the first set 2-6, he battled Rune through a tense second-set tiebreak, eventually winning it 7-6 (4). In the final set, Vacherot’s superior physical condition became decisive, especially as Rune, ranked No. 11, struggled with right upper leg discomfort and needed treatment twice. Showing remarkable composure, Vacherot saved two critical break points late in the set before clinching the match 6-4. This nearly three-hour victory makes him only the second lowest-ranked player to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal since the tournament’s inception in 1990.
With this breakthrough performance, the 26-year-old not only secured his spot in the last four but also earned a significant boost in the rankings. On Monday, he will jump 112 places to enter the Top 100 in the PIF ATP live rankings for the first time, landing at No. 92.
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Vacherot said, “I wasn’t even supposed to play qualifying; I entered as an alternate. To now be here, winning matches like this, is just unbelievable. The previous win was huge for me, but this one means even more.” He admitted that while breaking into the Top 100 was on his mind at match point, he tried to focus on the moment rather than the rankings. “I’m just happy and living the dream,” he added.
Vacherot’s physical edge was clear in the final stages. Rune’s injury struggles didn’t stop him from fighting hard, but Vacherot’s perseverance and nerves under pressure made the difference. He has now come from behind after dropping the first set in five out of seven matches at this tournament, including qualifiers, highlighting his resilience.
Up next, Vacherot faces a monumental challenge: either Novak Djokovic, a record four-time champion at Shanghai, or the strong challenger Zizou Bergs. This matchup gives Vacherot the opportunity to reach his first ATP Tour-level final – an extraordinary milestone for a qualifier.
On the physicality and style of play, Vacherot admitted that the intensity he faced against Rune was unlike anything earlier in the tournament. “I was shocked at how well Rune defended. Shots I’d usually win easily, he turned into just rallies or random balls. It was physically demanding, but it pushed me to play more freely in the second set.”
His journey is historic, as he is the first player from Monaco ever to reach a Masters 1000 quarterfinal and now semifinal. According to ATP Stats, he converted half of his break points against Rune, showing efficiency under pressure. Interestingly, Vacherot is the second qualifier to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal in 2025, joining Terence Atmane, who made a similar run in Cincinnati.
But here’s where it gets controversial: does this breakthrough signal a changing of the guard in men's tennis, or is this an exceptional Cinderella story that might not last? Is the rise of qualifiers like Vacherot a sign that the gap between the top players and the rest is closing, or is this just a rare moment of brilliance? What do you think? Would you bet on Vacherot upsetting Djokovic, or will experience and pedigree prevail? Share your thoughts and predictions below!
