Novak Djokovic shared words of praise for World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot after his loss against the latter in the semifinal of the Shanghai Masters. Vacherot stunned the veteran Serbian by 6-3, 6-4 to write his name in the history books on Saturday.

The man from Monaco became the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history as he has had a dream run in the tournament thus far. 

Vacherot was picked as an alternate in the qualifiers and he has had an amazing run in China.

“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters [1000] final,” Djokovic said. “Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story. I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well.”

After the match, Djokovic had lauded Vacherot while meeting him at the net.

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

Djokovic, like other players, struggled with brutal humid conditions in Shanghai but admitted it was the same for all the players.

“It’s the same for every player out on the court, but it’s brutal,” said Djokovic, who shortened points during the match to turn the clash in his favour.

Djokovic had to battle for two hours and 42 minutes in his third round match against Yannick Hanfmann and then was pushed to the limits by Jaume Munar in the next round. The Serbian had to throw up twice while facing the Spaniard.

“I was just trying to stay alive on the court,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad to overcome this hurdle.”

Valentin Vacherot will face his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the summit clash on Sunday.