Monday Match Analysis Vacherot Wins Shanghai Shocker, Medvedev & Djokovic Fall Short | Monday Match Analysis
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Oct 13, 2025 Join tennis writer Joel Drucker, known for his strategic insights, and reporter Amy Lundy, who brings a broad tour perspective, as they delve into Valentin Vacherot's shocking victory at the Shanghai Masters. They explore Vacherot's tactical strengths, the dramatic turnaround in his final match, and how his cousin Rinderknech almost clinched the title. The guests dissect the missed opportunities for stars like Djokovic and Medvedev, while addressing the punishing climate conditions and the need for a heat policy to protect players. Don't miss this engaging analysis!
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Unlikely Alternate Becomes Champion
- Valentin Vacherot entered Shanghai as an alternate and had zero expectations before his run from qualifying to the title.
- He was two points from losing in qualifying yet went on to win the Masters 1000, doubling his career prize money.
Top-Line Tools Trump Ranking
- Vacherot's main strengths were a powerful, high-percentage serve, a precise backhand, and unusually good movement for his size.
- These top-line abilities allowed him to outcompete higher-ranked players despite inconsistency elsewhere in his game.
Forehand Explains Inconsistency
- Vacherot's forehand is the relative weakness that explained his low ranking and earlier losses.
- The shot can be shaky and looks muscled, which cost him in parts of the final until his returns improved.