Novak fell short of extending his winning streak in Shanghai, bowing out in the semifinals of the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season.
The four-time Shanghai champion was defeated by qualifier Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, who scored a stunning 6-3, 6-4 victory to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Djokovic struggled with a left hip injury throughout the match, visibly limited in his movement, while Vacherot maintained the aggressive, confident tennis that had carried him through qualifying and past several seeded players earlier in the week.
The contest lasted one hour and 42 minutes.
Novak made a strong start, breaking early for 1-0, but Vacherot immediately responded in the following game. At 4-3, the Serbian star required medical attention for his hip, and although he returned to court, he appeared to be in pain. Vacherot capitalized on the moment, breaking for 5-3 and serving out the opening set after 41 minutes of play.
The second set was a grueling battle, filled with long rallies and extended games. Despite fighting hard, Djokovic struggled to find rhythm as his physical discomfort grew. Three double faults in the ninth game proved costly — handing Vacherot the decisive break and, moments later, the biggest win of his career.
In the other Shanghai semifinal, Daniil Medvedev (RUS, No. 16) meets Arthur Rinderknech (FRA).
Photo: Profimedia
