Despite a slow start, the 26-year-old World No. 204 showed remarkable resilience, fighting back against the physically struggling Dane and sealing the win in just under three hours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result not only earned him a spot in the semi-finals but also guaranteed his long-awaited debut inside the world\u2019s Top 100. With this win, Vacherot jumped 112 spots to No. 92 in the live ATP Rankings, becoming the second lowest-ranked semi-finalist in Masters 1000 history since 1990.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn\u2019t even sure I was going to play qualifying,\u201d Vacherot said after his victory. \u201cThis is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The breakthrough moment was full of emotion for the Monegasque, who admitted he tried to stay calm even as the thought of breaking into the Top 100 loomed large.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking the Top 100,\u201d he said. \u201cI know this is just a step, but I tried not to look at the rankings for this whole tournament. I had read that if I won, I would break the Top 100, but this is just unbelievable for me. I cannot wait for the semi-final. I\u2019m just so happy and living the dream.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rune, ranked No. 11 in the world, twice called for medical attention in the deciding set as he struggled with a leg issue, but Vacherot held firm under pressure. He saved two break points in the tenth game before converting his second match point to seal the biggest win of his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vacherot\u2019s journey in Shanghai has been a story of grit and determination - he has come back from a set down in five of his seven matches so far, including two in qualifying.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his effort, he said, \u201cFirst set, physically I was really shocked. That was a step above what I am used to. I already thought Tallon (Griekspoor, in the fourth round), tennis-wise was playing really good. Sascha Bublik, we know how he plays. You could expect any shot at any second. That\u2019s why he\u2019s so good. But today I was shocked by how (Rune) was defending. Points that I would win against 90 per cent of the guys, for him it was just a random ball.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cI felt like I was coming in and would have an easy volley. So the first set was pretty physical. My lungs were screaming a little bit, but that helped me a lot for the second set, because I just went off to change and it helped me to play a little bit more free.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his effort, he said, \u201cFirst set, physically I was really shocked. That was a step above what I am used to. I already thought Tallon (Griekspoor, in the fourth round), tennis-wise was playing really good. Sascha Bublik, we know how he plays. You could expect any shot at any second. That\u2019s why he\u2019s so good. But today I was shocked by how (Rune) was defending. Points that I would win against 90 per cent of the guys, for him it was just a random ball.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He will now face either Novak Djokovic or Zizou Bergs for a place in his maiden ATP final - a challenge that caps an extraordinary breakthrough week for the unheralded 26-year-old who, by his own admission, \u201cwasn\u2019t even sure he\u2019d play qualifying\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n