Vacherot: "If a year ago they had told me I would beat a top 5 player, I wouldn't have believed it"

Valentin Vacherot  has just achieved one of the biggest victories of his career at the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo 2026, where he has reached the round of 16 after defeating Lorenzo Musetti, the reigning finalist of the tournament. Later, the Monegasque tennis player attended a press conference to talk about this victory and his expectations for such an important tournament for him.

Vacherot stated that winning this tournament was more important to him than winning a Grand Slam, as he grew up there. After several years of receiving wildcards for the tournament, this year he attended as one of the circuit's top names, as evidenced by his performance in the first two rounds. Now, he will face Hubert Hurkacz in an attempt to make it to the quarterfinals, with a supportive crowd and the aim of continuing to dream of the title that would mean the most to him.

Vacherot's Press Conference after defeating Musetti in the Monte Carlo Masters 1000

Emotion after the victory against Musetti

If someone had told me a year ago that I was going to defeat a top 5 player on clay at my own court, in a night session of the second round of this tournament, I wouldn't have believed it. And there I was, it's incredible. It took me one set and two games in the first round before I could unleash my game on clay and start feeling good. Today, I played against a right-handed player. Lorenzo hit the ball with more power and rhythm. So I am very happy with my physical condition and the quality of my shots. I was able to create several set points in the first set. In the second set, I played better and better.

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Expected gameplay

This is exactly what I expected. Lorenzo tried to play like on clay, hitting wide and trying to dominate the point, making me run. But he only succeeded when my shots weren't as good. In crucial moments, I played better and he couldn't. That means I managed to hit deep shots at important times and win decisive points. I served almost as well as on hard courts this clay season, and I hope it continues.

Many Italians in the stadium

I knew the stadium would be filled with Italians by three-quarters, and they completely filled it, created an incredible atmosphere, and had very high-level players, between the 20th and 30th best, so I knew there would be more Italians. But on my side, we were also noticeable. So when the tension rose, I could take advantage, especially during the tiebreak. I made the most of it and it worked out. I love these atmospheres.

Hurkacz in the next round

Well, I'll think about it more tomorrow. It will be a completely different match. He has a lot of experience. He was in the top ten, then got injured, but he's playing well again, so I think the match will be very tough, and he serves really well. I hope to serve as well as today.

New beginning after winning the Masters 1000 in Shanghai

Well, the start of the season was consistent, but I needed a big victory like today's. I would like to go further. I'll be in the round of 16, but I would like to reach, for example, the semifinals. If I can achieve it here at home, I will be very pleased.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vacherot: "Si hace un año me dicen que ganaría a un top 5, no lo habría creído"