"No. Next question, please": Classy Novak Djokovic refuses to take spotlight from Valentin Vacherot after Shanghai Open semifinal defeat

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has refused to comment on his physical condition after suffering a shocking defeat in the semifinal of the ongoing Shanghai Masters. The 38-year-old came as a heavy favourite in the last-four clash of the ATP 1000 event against Poland’s Valentin Vacherot.

That, however, had no impact on the result as Vacherot proved too hot to handle for the 24-time Grand Slam winner as he came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4. During the match, Djokovic looked exhausted while playing in the tough conditions, and after the first set, he asked for the physio's assistance as well.

After the match, Djokovic was asked about his physical condition. Still, he refused to answer, stating that the main story today is Vacherot's success, who started the competition in the qualifying round and is now one step away from lifting his maiden ATP 1000 title.

“I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters final,” said Djokovic. “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. So it's all about him. I wish him all the best in the finals, and the better player won today.” He was once again asked about it but he responded by saying: “No. Next question, please.”

Before facing Vacherot, Djokovic stated that, although he had never faced him, he was aware that he was on the tour and heaped praise on his performance in the competition, where he arrived as the world number 204 and has now jumped more than 140 spots in the live ATP Rankings.

“I've known him for last couple of years. Obviously he's ranked before this tournament 200-plus. He's been around,” said Djokovic. “He's playing for Monaco, which is a really great success, the biggest historical success for Monaco. It's amazing. So everyone is excited there. We know we have one of the nicest and biggest tournaments in our sport there in Monaco. So I'm glad for him, for his team. Benjamin Balleret is someone I've known for many years from Monaco, because being based there for 15 years, training at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. He's been improving a lot. We always knew that he's got a great potential, with a big serve, a big game, he's a big guy.”

On the other hand, Vacherot, after winning the match, was clearly ecstatic. He stated that qualifying for the competition final after starting as a world number 204 is nothing short of a dream come true. Vacherot also thanked his family and friends for their support.

“How I got taught to live life where I grew up is to always keep your feet on earth,” said Vacherot. “Thanks to my parents, my family.. already when I was growing up, my brother Benjamin who’s over there.. he was playing on the tour.. he was ranked for most of his career around 200 in the world. For me that was already unreal to be 200 in the world. Now to be here… thank you to all the coaches at Texas A&M. They taught me the same thing. Just to work hard. This is probably where I learned how to be a professional tennis player and to stop playing just for fun. To really work as a professional and to be as high in the ranking. Thank you to the Monaco federation. We are such a small family. We are pushing each other… I just wanna say thank you to everyone who put a little brick into my career, because they taught me how to be down on earth and to fight. This is probably why I’m here today.”