Djokovic eyes 80th Masters semifinal win as Vacherot’s dream run continues.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic is set to face qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters 2025. This contrasts legacy with breakthrough. This will mark Djokovic’s 80th ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, a staggering feat, while Vacherot has made history as the second-lowest ranked player to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal since 1990. Djokovic, as the fourth seed, received a first-round bye and eased past Marin Cilic in straight sets to open his campaign.
The Serb was tested in three sets by qualifiers Yannick Hanfmann and Jaume Munar but reasserted control in the quarters, sweeping aside Zizou Bergs. Vacherot’s road, meanwhile, has been a fairy tale. Entering the draw as a qualifying alternate, he stunned Laslo Djere in straight sets, edged seed No. 14 Alexander Bublik in three, advanced past 20th seed Tomas Machac after a retirement, and outlasted both Tallon Griekspoor and Holger Rune in hard-fought three-setters.
Novak Djokovic has reached a Masters 1000 semifinal for the 80th time! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jISJATmEfd
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) October 9, 2025
For Djokovic, 2025 has been defined by the chase for his record 25th Grand Slam, a milestone that continues to elude him despite remarkable consistency, semifinals at all four majors and a 100th career title in Geneva. Across the season, he’s struck 345 aces, winning 76% of first-serve points and converting 42% of 354 break points, proving the old fire still burns bright. Vacherot, 26, carries a modest 12-9 career record but boasts seven ITF and four Challenger titles. His Cinderella run in Shanghai may meet its hardest test yet, against one of tennis’ greatest closers.
Valentin Vacherot becomes the 2nd lowest ranked man to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 9, 2025
World #204, doing historic things.
He’ll crack the top 100 for the first time when the new rankings come out.
Writing a hell of a story.
🇲🇨🥹 pic.twitter.com/2VOhSPjQzs
Novak Djokovic and Valentin Vacherot do not have a head-to-head yet.
| Novak Djokovic | Category | Valentin Vacherot |
| 5 | Current Ranking | 204 |
| 1155-232 | Career W-L | 12-9 |
| 31-10 | YTD W-L | 6-2 |
| 100 | Career Titles | 0 |
| 24 | Grand Slams | 0 |
| 1 | YTD Titles | 0 |
Djokovic’s experience and precision are likely to halt Vacherot’s fairytale run, yet the Monaco underdog’s fearless surge through the draw might just force the legend to dig deeper than expected. Still, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has the obvious edge.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC PULLS OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE@DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/MJXtXvtZoO
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 9, 2025
Prediction: Novak Djokovic in straight sets
With Novak Djokovic (-800) heavily favored, the numbers lean strongly toward the Serb advancing in straight sets, though qualifier Valentin Vacherot (+520) could make pockets of this match competitive. But Djokovic is the safer pick.
Here are the betting odds according to FanDuel:
Novak Djokovic: -800
Valentin Vacherot: +520
Here are the odds for total games as well as total sets for both players (sourced via FanDuel):
Total Sets Under 2.5: -290
Total Sets Over 2.5: +205
Total Games Under 21.5: -120
Total Games Over 21.5: -110
Set 1 Winner Djokovic: -370
Set 1 Winner Vacherot: +280
(According to FanDuel: FanDuel offers exclusive promo codes, bonus deals and accurate odds for users upon signing up. Use FanDuel to ace your betting game in all sports!)
Mandatory Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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mma I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.
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