Overview

• Valentin Vacherot defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to secure the first spot in the Shanghai Masters 1000 final, with Daniil Medvedev vs Arthur Rinderknech still to determine his opponent.
• Djokovic took a medical timeout in the first set and, according to match reports, was treated for a left-hip and back issue and reportedly took a painkiller before continuing.
• The 26-year-old qualifier started in the prelims as an alternate and is the first Monegasque to reach a Masters 1000 final, becoming the lowest‑ranked finalist at No. 204 and surpassing Andrei Pavel’s No. 191 mark from 2003.
• Sky Sport commentator Paolo Bertolucci noted concern that at age 38 Djokovic’s matches increasingly carry uncertainty over which pains may surface.
• After match point, Vacherot muted his celebration out of respect, and at the net Djokovic told him he deserved the win, according to Corriere dello Sport.