Novak fell in need of extending his profitable streak in Shanghai, bowing out within the semifinals of the penultimate Masters 1000 occasion of the season.
The four-time Shanghai champion was defeated by qualifier Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, who scored a shocking 6-3, 6-4 victory to succeed in his first Masters 1000 last.
Djokovic struggled with a left hip damage all through the match, visibly restricted in his motion, whereas Vacherot maintained the aggressive, assured tennis that had carried him by way of qualifying and previous a number of seeded gamers earlier within the week.
The competition lasted one hour and 42 minutes.
Novak made a powerful begin, breaking early for 1-0, however Vacherot instantly responded within the following sport. At 4-3, the Serbian star required medical consideration for his hip, and though he returned to court docket, he seemed to be in ache. Vacherot capitalized on the second, breaking for 5-3 and serving out the opening set after 41 minutes of play.
The second set was a grueling battle, stuffed with lengthy rallies and prolonged video games. Regardless of preventing onerous, Djokovic struggled to seek out rhythm as his bodily discomfort grew. Three double faults within the ninth sport proved expensive — handing Vacherot the decisive break and, moments later, the most important win of his profession.
Within the different Shanghai semifinal, Daniil Medvedev (RUS, No. 16) meets Arthur Rinderknech (FRA).
Photograph: Profimedia
