Djokovic praises opponent after defeat at Shanghai Masters

(Dan Tri) - After the unexpected defeat in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters 2025 on the afternoon of October 11, Novak Djokovic gave special praise to his opponent Valentin Vacherot, instead of talking about his own difficulties.

“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final. From the qualifying stage, it's a great story. I said when we met at the net that he's having a great tournament. More importantly, his attitude is very good, and his play is also great," Djokovic said in the post-match press conference.

Djokovic thanks fans before leaving the Shanghai Masters (Photo: Getty).

Djokovic also showed incredible tenacity to reach the semi-finals, he is just two wins away from a 41st ATP Masters 1000 title. However, the former world number one could not overcome Vacherot in their first head-to-head. Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player in ATP Masters 1000 history to reach the final.

After the match, Djokovic graciously congratulated the 26-year-old, focusing on the Texas A&M University alumnus’ stellar performance rather than his own health concerns. “It’s all about him. I wish him all the best in the final, and the better player won today,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic's journey at the tournament has not been easy. After beating former world number three Marin Cilic in the opening round, he has started to encounter many obstacles.

In the third round against Yannick Hanfmann, Djokovic struggled with the humidity and appeared to vomit during a 2 hour 42 minute comeback win. “Every player on the court was the same, but the conditions were brutal,” Djokovic said of the conditions.

Djokovic receives medical attention in the semi-final (Photo: Getty).

The 38-year-old continued to struggle in the fourth round, having to consult with doctors repeatedly due to a leg injury during his 2 hour and 40 minute victory over Jaume Munar. He also had to use cold towels and vomit several times, even lying motionless on the court after losing the second set.

Djokovic, however, continued to fight, once again showing his resilience in the quarter-finals. He overcame a problem with his left foot to beat Zizou Bergs in two sets. “I just tried to stay on the court. I'm happy to have overcome the challenge today,” Djokovic said.

The four-time Shanghai champion did everything he could to beat the world No. 204, even dipping his head into a courtside bucket to try to regain his composure. After saving a break point in the first game of the second set, Djokovic collapsed to his knees. But the Serb rallied and continued to fight, pressing his Monaco opponent, sending the Chinese crowd into a frenzy with his strokes and agility.

Throughout the tournament, fans at the Shanghai Masters showed their support for the 100-time champion both on and off the court, with Djokovic expressing his gratitude several times, including on social media.

This time, however, it wasn't enough. Vacherot advanced to the final, and Djokovic gracefully left the tournament's center court with a smile and a heart in his hand to thank the fans for their support.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/djokovic-khen-ngoi-doi-thu-sau-that-bai-tai-thuong-hai-masters-20251012075450526.htm