Physical ailments have troubled Djokovic throughout the competition, and he experienced vomiting spells after previous encounters due to the intense heat and high humidity levels.
These difficulties resurfaced during Saturday’s semi-final, with the 38-year-old requiring medical attention on multiple occasions.
Early in the seventh game, the former top-ranked player found it necessary to take an extended medical timeout, lying face down without a shirt as a physical therapist attended to his back.
He once again received treatment during the break but persevered into the second set.
Despite evident physical challenges, the Serbian athlete offered the Shanghai spectators some hope of a resurgence when he gained a 4-3 advantage, but Vacherot then secured three consecutive games to advance to the final.
“I extend my congratulations to Valentin for reaching his inaugural Masters final,” Djokovic stated.
“Progressing from the qualifying rounds, it’s a remarkable achievement. I conveyed to him at the net that he’s had a stellar tournament, but more importantly, his attitude is commendable and his playing style was also fantastic.
“So the focus is on him. I extend my best wishes to him in the finals, and the superior player emerged victorious today.”
Vacherot, who ensured his debut in the top 100 by defeating Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, has now ascended 146 places to occupy the 58th position in the world rankings as a direct consequence of his strong showing in Shanghai.
