Ailing Djokovic beaten in Shanghai semis by qualifier Vacherot

AN ailing Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters semifinals yesterday by world No 204 Valentin Vacherot.

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NOVAK Djokovic was defeated in the semi-finals by Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters.

(AFP)

The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco stunned the Serbian great 6-3, 6-4 to deny him a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai.

A hobbling Djokovic, 38, vomited courtside and received medical treatment multiple times during the match.

“I'm trying to pinch myself — is this real?” said Vacherot after the biggest win of his career. “I know not many of you guys wanted me to win,” he told the crowd, who had cheered thunderously for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an invaluable experience for me. I have a hundred feelings right now.”