Shanghai Masters champion Valentin Vacherot revealed that Novak Djokovic praised him during their handshake at the net after their semifinal clash at the Shanghai Masters. The Monegasque star became the lowest-ranked winner of an ATP Masters 1000 title after sealing the title.

The 26-year-old bested his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in a three-set contest in the summit clash. Meanwhile, Vacherot registered a straight-set win against Djokovic in the semis as he continued his dream run in the ATP 1000 Masters event.

Vacherot registered a 6-3, 6-4 win against Djokovic as he came up with his best against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

“I thought to myself, ‘It’s not up to me to talk’, I have to let him talk,’” Vacherot said to Eurosport France.

“He is the most successful player in the history of tennis. Our handshake was sublime.

“He tells me that my victory is totally deserved, that my level was extraordinary. He tells me good luck for the final and to continue like this.

“I listened with my ears like a little tennis fan.”

Meanwhile, throughout the tournament, Vacherot lost the opening set against Alexander Bublik, Tallon Griekspoor, and Holger Rune but bounced back to win the next two sets, just like he did in the summit clash against Rinderknech.

Vacherot leaves Shanghai up 164 spots to No. 40 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. The right-hander gained a total of 1,020 ATP points after his win in Shanghai.

Vacherot had a fairytale run at the ATP 1000 Masters, and he would look to continue his rich form on the tour.