An ailing Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on Saturday by world number 204 Valentin Vacherot, who will face his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in a surprise all-family final.

Vacherot, a 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco, beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to deny him a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai.

He will next face his cousin Rinderknech, the unseeded Frenchman, who came from a set down to oust Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

"I'm trying to pinch myself, is this real," said Vacherot after the biggest win of his career.

"I have a hundred feelings right now."

Vacherot is the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final since the format's introduction in 1990.

Djokovic, 38, struggled physically throughout the match, throwing up courtside and receiving medical treatment multiple times.

The former world number one said Vacherot's unlikely run in the tournament was "an amazing story".

"I told him at the net that he's had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good... so it's all about him," said Djokovic.

"The better player won today."

Djokovic declined to answer questions about his physical state.

He had said after his last match that he was concerned after battling vomiting bouts, leg injury scares and fatigue throughout the tournament. (AFP)

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Last updated: 2025-10-11 HKT 22:48