Vacherot, after reaching the semifinals of a Masters 1000: "C'est une pression amusante, je ne devrais pas être ici"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 9 Oct 2025 | 20.39

Vacherot, après s'être qualifié pour les demi-finales d'un Masters 1000 : "C'est une pression amusante, je ne devrais pas être ici". Photo: Gettyimages

Streaming M25 Porto tennis en direct

🎾 Vasco L Prata vs Tiago Pereira

Inscrivez-vous sur Bet365 ici
Effectuez votre premier dépôt d’au moins 5 €
Allez dans la section « Live » et regardez chaque match

Regardez le match sur Bet365

Valentin Vacherot is one of the latest surprises of this 2025 and possibly one of the most astonishing. He arrived at ATP Shanghai not even knowing if he could play the qualifying round, ranked 204th, and after a dream week, he secures his first entry into the Top 100.

It's time to start taking seriously Valentin Vacherot in this Shanghai ATP 2025. For many, it was seen as a mere anecdote when he defeated Alexander Bublik in the second round (3-6, 6-3, 6-4), and some attributed luck to the injury retirement of Tomas Machac (6-0, 3-1) that granted him a spot in the last sixteen. But there, he overcame a player of the caliber of Tallon Griekspoor (4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4), and then people began to show interest in his story. Up until today when he defeated the world number eleven, Holger Rune, just like he has been doing all week in China, coming back from a set down (2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4).

The Monegasque not only reaches the first semifinals of a Masters 1000, making history for his country as the only one to achieve it to date, but he will also vie for a spot in the final against none other than Novak Djokovic. Regarding his match with the Serbian, the emotions experienced these days, his entry into the Top 100 of the ATP rankings, and the pride he is bringing to Monaco, he spoke about it in the subsequent press conference.

Valentin Vacherot still can't believe he's in the semifinals of ATP Shanghai 2025

"There are many emotions I'm experiencing. I was already very excited about everything, about the first three wins. Especially the third-round victory was difficult to enjoy because Tomas had to retire. But the round of sixteen against Griekspoor was very emotional. It was an unreal moment."

"But this victory is even more so because, yes, it's my first semifinal. Moreover, moving from 200th to 92nd in the ATP ranking is incredible. It's an unreal moment for me. So much excitement. Being able to share this with my brother, who is my coach, my girlfriend, Arthur, my cousin. I still feel there are some people here with me, ready to cheer for Arthur Rinderknech tomorrow."

After six months on the sidelines in 2024, Vacherot achieves his goal of entering the Top 100

"Last year was tough for me when I got injured after Roland Garros in May, being just 30 points away from the top 100, sitting on the couch, watching how I wasn't moving up in the rankings and then dropping. I knew it wouldn't be easy this year to climb back up the rankings. It took me quite some time. Even before this tournament, I was ranked 204th, so I was still far from the top 100."

"Before the tournament, I kept saying that even though there were only two months left, my goal for the end of the season was to be among the top 100. It's like, who knows, with a good streak, it could be achieved quickly, but obviously, I didn't know it would be here and in just one tournament. Again, it's an unreal feeling."

His routine hasn't changed despite the circumstances, and he doesn't feel negative pressure

"To be honest, I do the same thing every day. It's surprising that I didn't feel so nervous, so to speak. I started feeling it a bit when I set foot on the court because there were many people. The crowd had a very vibrant energy. It wasn't like actual pressure; it was a fun pressure. I shouldn't be here. I feel the pressure more on my opponents than on myself. I'm the one who shouldn't be here more than them."

"I think this is helping me a lot. That's why I can play freely. And of course, it's not easy because they are the best players in the world. I am also very surprised, yes, to have beaten some of them, day after day. I hope to continue doing so."

Novak Djokovic, his next opponent

"I started my career recently, and this is only my fourth season on the professional circuit. I began my first full season in 2022. So I missed playing against Federer because he retired in 2022. I think I only coincided with Nadal in one tournament. So I didn't even have the chance to play against Nadal in my career. And who knows when Djokovic will retire; we know it will be sooner rather than later. So being able to play on Saturday against Djokovic will mean a lot to play against at least one of the big three in my career."

Monegasque pride after his success in ATP Shanghai

"When Romain Arneodo won the doubles in Montecarlo, I was the first to jump for joy by the court. I even shed tears. We are a small family. There are only four of us players. We support each other. Watching Romain Arneodo, whom I've known since he was 10 or 12, win the doubles title at home was simply amazing. Also, seeing Hugo Nys reach the doubles semifinals every week, in any tournament, Grand Slam, Masters 1000. Although it's different from singles, it gives me ideas, and I want to do the same. It's great that now it's my turn."

"Just before coming here, I was watching a video at the country club where everyone was following the match together in the lounge, and I almost teared up. My fitness coach and everyone else isn't even here; I just came with my coach and my girlfriend. So, yes, it's a great joy for all of us," concludes Valentin Vacherot as he aims to continue making history at ATP Shanghai 2025 even though his next opponent is a certain Novak Djokovic.

Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Vacherot, tras meterse en las semifinales de un Masters 1000: "Es una presión divertida, yo no debería de estar aquí"

ATP