Novak Djokovic refuses to blame injury after shock loss to world No.204 Valentin Vacherot in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic has refused to elaborate on his injury struggles after crashing to one of the biggest upsets in tennis history at the Shanghai Masters.

World No.204 Valentin Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player to ever reach an ATP Masters 1000 final with a stunning 6-3 6-4 over Djokovic, who was clearly struggling.

The 24-time grand slam champion took multiple medical timeouts and at one point had his head in an ice bucket, but he was clearly outplayed by Vacherot, who earned his spot in the main draw through qualifying.

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Djokovic showed his class at the net when he shook hands with his opponent, telling Vacherothe he deserved the win.

He continued that message in his post-match media conference as well.

Novak Djokovic struggled physically in his loss at the Shanghai Masters. Credit: Getty / X

“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,” Djokovic said.

“So it’s all about him … The better player won today.”

Djokovic had struggled in the humid conditions throughout the week, but when pressed on his physical struggles, he refused to answer.

“No. Next question, please,” was all he said.

Vacherot, 26, troubled Djokovic with drop shots and punishing rallies to continue his fairytale run at the tournament.

“This is just crazy … just to be on the other side of the court with Djokovic was an unbelievable experience,” said Vacherot, the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP final in the open era.

“Such a pleasure to play at least once against you. Don’t retire,” Vacherot told Djokovic as they shook hands at the net.

Vacherot will now play his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in one of the most unlikeliest Masters finals in history.

Rinderknech, the world No.54, knocked out former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev 4-6 6-2 6-4 to complete the most extraordinary family double.

“I can’t even say it’s a dream because I don’t think even one person in our family dreamt about it,” Rinderknech said about facing his maternal cousin in Sunday’s final.

“It was a dream that came out of nowhere.”

Rinderknech threw caution to the wind after losing the first set to Medvedev, getting an early break and saving five break points in a 12-minute game to go 3-0 up in the second.

Medvedev, who’d struggled physically over the week, found the 30-year-old Frenchman’s returns a handful as Rinderknech took the second set with Vacherot watching on from the stands

A decisive break secured the deciding set for Rinderknech, as Medvedev saved the first match point with a 207km serve down the middle, but then tossed away the second with a double fault.

“I was like, you know what, maybe I’m going to lose, but I’m going to fight like crazy,” Rinderknech said, after Vacherot had come down on court to enjoy an embrace with him.

“I thought I’m going to make him tired for tomorrow and at least I’m going to help Valentin try to start the match a little bit ahead physically.

“Then, somehow, I got the break and then another one finished the set and then I was like, you know what, I’m just going to try everything and give it my best and somehow it worked out.”

– With AAP