“I play my true game at the end”: Valentin Vacherot explains Monte-Carlo breakthrough
ATPSaturday, 11 April 2026 at 00:30
Valentin Vacherot produced the standout result of his career at the Monte-Carlo Masters, defeating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to reach his second Masters 1000 semi-final. Competing on home soil, the 27-year-old extended a remarkable run built on physical endurance and late-match execution.
The victory capped a sequence of demanding matches throughout the week, with Vacherot already navigating three consecutive wins, including victories over Lorenzo Musetti and Hubert Hurkacz. Against De Minaur, ranked inside the Top 10, the challenge intensified under heavy, slow conditions that required sustained defensive discipline.
Despite signs of fatigue, Vacherot managed the match in phases, conserving energy during the second set before reasserting control in the decider. The pattern has become a defining feature of his run in Monte-Carlo, where he has consistently raised his level in the latter stages of matches rather than dictating from the outset.
The result sets up a semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion. For Vacherot, the match represents both an opportunity and a significant tactical shift, as his approach against De Minaur may not be sufficient against a player of Alcaraz’s intensity.
Late-match execution defines breakthrough
Vacherot attributed his ability to overcome De Minaur to a combination of physical awareness and tactical discipline, particularly in managing his energy across three sets. He entered the match anticipating a demanding contest, noting both the opponent’s consistency and the impact of slow, heavy conditions on movement and recovery.
“I knew it was going to be, for a fourth match, against De Minaur in heavy conditions. Physically, I knew it would demand even more, because he moves so well and makes very few mistakes,” the world No. 23 said during his press conference.
The structure of the match reflected that expectation. After securing the opening set—a moment he described as critical—Vacherot allowed his intensity to dip slightly in the second, prioritising long-term control rather than immediate resistance. That decision proved decisive as he entered the third set with sufficient energy to re-engage.
“Winning the first set was the most important thing, because if I don’t win it, I think it would have been extremely difficult,” the 27-year-old player added. “When he got ahead in the second, I didn’t let it go completely, but I managed it without putting in 100% of my energy and kept everything for the third.”
His performance in deciding sets has been a consistent trend throughout the tournament. Against both Hurkacz and De Minaur, Vacherot improved his level at key moments, combining aggressive shot selection with increased court positioning to create opportunities. “I play my true game at the end of matches. I become more aggressive, I hit harder, I move my opponent, I come to the net.”
Read also
Home advantage and new expectations
Beyond the tactical elements, Vacherot highlighted the role of the Monaco crowd in sustaining his level during critical phases. Playing in familiar surroundings provided both emotional support and a tangible boost in momentum, particularly during tight games in the third set against De Minaur. “The crowd helped a lot, and also my desire to do well, and the motivation to play Carlos Alcaraz tomorrow.”
The progression to the semi-finals also marks a clear shift in expectations. Vacherot acknowledged that matches of this nature—against top-tier opponents in high-pressure situations—were previously beyond his reach, pointing to a recent evolution in his ability to compete at this level. “A few months ago, I would never have won this kind of match. I wouldn’t have found the resources. Now I can.”
Against Alcaraz, however, Vacherot anticipates a different dynamic. His tendency to build into matches may not be viable against a player who applies pressure from the first point. As a result, he signalled the need for immediate aggression rather than gradual escalation. “Tomorrow, I won’t have a choice. I’ll have to do it from the start, otherwise I’m going to be under pressure everywhere.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Bonker Becker's opinion aside... Pro Tennis had better get on te DNA Testing bandwagon before other sports carry that torch and appear to force the WTA's hand in this matter!
- BJK Cup is no longer what it once was in the Big Picture of tennis. Time to retire it?
- Enough of this "legend". Put her out to pasture.
- Any media repeating whatever comes out of Gibert's mouth is unworthy. He's a known nutcase!!
- Strange coming from someone who has had only one MTO her entire career... and that was last season. Perhaps the pressure of potentially losing 5 Stuttgart Finals in a row was too much to bear?
- Wow! Someone of note who hasn't "coached" Raducanu yet!!
- Retire now and save yourself more embarrassment...
- Nobody wanted to practice with Condescending Collins? Gee... why would that be?
- WTF is this doing in a sports report???
- In what Universe do we care what Condescending Collins has to say? Tennis Channel has lost its collective mind as well... how gross it is they put her on TV -- and talking! Adios, Tennis Channel. Very few viewers want to endure that average-at-best coverage anymore.
Loading