Novak Djokovic focused on Valentin Vaccello, not physical struggles after Shanghai loss ATP Tour

match response

Djokovic focuses on Vaccello after Shanghai defeat, not physical struggles: ‘It’s all about him’

Four-time Shanghai champion talks about Monaco’s top runner’s dream run

October 11, 2025

After a physically challenging match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic chose to focus on praising his opponent after losing to world No. 204 Valentin Vaccello in the semi-finals.

“I would like to congratulate Valentin on winning his first Masters title [1000] The final,” Djokovic said. “From the qualifying point of view, it’s an amazing story. I told him online that he had a great race, but more importantly, he had a great attitude and he had a great race. “

Djokovic showed great perseverance throughout the tournament to reach the last four and is just two wins away from a record 41st ATP Masters 1000 title and first at this level since the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters.

But the former PIF ATP No. 1 failed to surpass Monaco qualifier Vaccello, who became the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history in the first Lexus ATP head-to-head match.

Djokovic generously congratulated the 26-year-old at the net after the match, choosing to focus on the former college tennis star at Texas A&M University rather than his ailments during the match. He did not discuss these struggles.

“It’s all about him,” Djokovic said. “I wish him all the best in the final and the better player wins today.”

Djokovic began to face obstacles after defeating former world No. 3 Marin Cilic in the tournament’s opening match.

In his third-round match against Yanik Hanfmann, Djokovic had to overcome humid conditions and suffered a bout of vomiting during a comeback victory that took two hours and 42 minutes.

“It’s the same for every player on the court, but it’s brutal,” said Djokovic, who shortened the set to swing the match in his favor.

The 38-year-old prevailed again in the round of 16 against Jaume Munar, who suffered multiple medical timeouts due to leg problems, in two hours and 40 minutes. He also frequently used ice towels and vomited multiple times, lying on the court after losing the second set.

But Djokovic kept fighting and once again showed his mettle in the quarterfinals. He shook off a problem with his left foot and defeated Zizou Bergès in straight sets.

“I just want to survive on the court,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad I was able to overcome this obstacle.”

The four-time Shanghai champion struggled to find a way out against Vaccello on Saturday, even burying his head in a courtside bucket to try to calm himself down.

In the first game of the second set, Djokovic dropped to his knees after saving a break point. But the Serbian stood up and kept fighting, throwing everything he had at his Monegasque opponent, often sending the Chinese crowd into a frenzy with his finishing and athleticism.

Throughout the event, Rolex Shanghai Masters spectators showed strong support for the 100-time Tour-level champion both in and outside the competition. Djokovic expressed his appreciation multiple times, including on social media.

However, this time it wasn’t enough. Vaccello advanced to the final, and Djokovic left the center court with a smile and hands, thanking the fans for their support.