Against all odds, Valentin Vacherot has just delivered the kind of tennis shockwave that fans live for — a jaw-dropping victory over Holger Rune in Shanghai that cements his place in the sport’s record books. And here’s the twist most people won’t see coming: Vacherot wasn’t even certain he’d be in the qualifying rounds, let alone standing in the semi-finals of one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
On Thursday afternoon, the 26-year-old Monegasque qualifier, ranked No. 204 in the world, fought back from a sluggish start to topple the 10th-seeded Rune in a grueling three-set battle: 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. This wasn’t just any win — it was the biggest of Vacherot’s career, propelling him into the final four of the Rolex Shanghai Masters and making him the second-lowest-ranked Masters 1000 semi-finalist since 1990. With this two-hour, 59-minute triumph, he has rocketed up the PIF ATP Live Rankings by a staggering 112 spots to No. 92, meaning he’ll break into the Top 100 next week for the very first time.
Speaking after the match, an elated Vacherot couldn’t quite believe the scale of what he’d achieved. “I came here as an alternate, not even certain to play the qualifiers… and now I’m living the dream,” he said. He admitted the thought of breaking into the Top 100 kept creeping into his mind during match point, but he tried to focus solely on the game. “This is just unbelievable for me. I can’t wait for the semi-final. I’m so happy.”
Rune, ranked No. 11, visibly struggled in the decider — twice calling for a trainer to massage his right upper leg — but still blasted away at his shots with characteristic aggression. Vacherot, however, kept his composure, saving two break points in the tenth game before converting his second match point. His ability to rally from behind has been a standout in this tournament; in fact, he has come from a set down in five of his seven matches in Shanghai, including two in qualifying.
The road ahead won’t get any easier: Vacherot will face either four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic or challenger Zizou Bergs for a coveted place in the final. His journey so far has already made history — he’s the first Monegasque to ever reach a Masters 1000 quarter-final, and now a semi-finalist too.
Reflecting on the match, Vacherot confessed the opening set was a physical shock. “Rune’s defense was unbelievable. Points that I’d normally win against most players suddenly turned into just another rally. My lungs were screaming a bit in that first set, but it actually helped me loosen up for the second.” He compared Rune’s defense to the unpredictable attacking style of players like Sascha Bublik and the solid form of Tallon Griekspoor, making clear how high the level has been this week.
Statistically, he was efficient as well, converting two of the four break points he earned. In doing so, he joins Terence Atmane as only the second qualifier in 2025 to reach a Masters 1000 semi-final — Atmane achieved the milestone earlier in Cincinnati.
But here’s the intriguing question for tennis fans: Is Vacherot’s Cinderella run a rare stroke of fortune, or the start of a new chapter where underdogs start routinely challenging the elite? Should the ATP rethink how much weight rankings hold when predicting match outcomes? Agree or disagree — the comments await your thoughts.
