Vacherot and Bublik Secure Major Upset in 2025 ATP Tour Highlights

2025’s Unforgettable ATP Tour Upsets: Vacherot and Bublik Shine

Featuring Atmane, Van de Zandschulp, and Goffin in the Top 5

November 29, 2025

As we wrap up another electrifying season, ATPTour.com presents our annual ‘Best Of’ series, showcasing the most riveting rivalries, matches, comebacks, upsets, and more. Today, we delve into five of the most jaw-dropping ATP Tour upsets from this season (excluding Grand Slam events).

Surprises are woven into the very fabric of the ATP Tour, and each season unveils a select number that redefine the narrative.

In 2025, we witnessed upsets that not only altered the trajectory of players’ careers but also left fans in awe. Here, ATPTour.com takes you through the top five unexpected ATP Tour upsets of the year.

5) Halle, R2: Bublik d. Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
In a shocking turn of events, Alexander Bublik, inspired and fierce, managed to take down Jannik Sinner at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle. Just weeks after suffering a crushing loss to the then-World No. 1 at Roland Garros, Bublik returned with an impressive display of skill, landing a remarkable 36 winners that helped end Sinner’s 66-match streak against those ranked outside the Top 20.

“As tennis players, we aim to win every match, but this one is special,” recounted Bublik, celebrating his maiden victory against a top-ranked player. “I’ve never defeated a No. 1; that’s a milestone for me. I aimed to stay clutch and keep serving strong against such an unbelievable opponent.”

Bublik seized that momentum, ultimately clinching the Halle title—an accomplishment that propelled him to a career-high World No. 11. Meanwhile, Sinner transformed his disappointment into motivation, using it to fuel his impressive victory at Wimbledon just three weeks later.

4) Cincinnati R4: Atmane d. Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
Coming into the Cincinnati Open with a mere 1-4 tour-level record for the season, Terence Atmane emerged from the tournament as a remarkable underdog. Competing as World No. 136, he shocked fourth seed and home fan-favourite Taylor Fritz—one of the hottest players during the summer—reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-finals.

Against a formidable Fritz, who previously amassed a tour-leading 13 grass-court victories, Atmane matched his intensity, firing 13 aces and winning an impressive 82% of his first-serve points. Then, displaying pure exhilaration, Atmane launched his racquet into the air after sealing the victory.

“What a week! My hard work is finally showing results!” he exclaimed, having cracked the Top 100 for the first time. “But I know I need to maintain this level consistently moving forward.”

3) Indian Wells R2: Van de Zandschulp d. Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
Botic van de Zandschulp thrives in challenging draws, as evidenced by his stunning victory over five-time champion Novak Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open. Entering the main draw as a lucky loser, Van de Zandschulp demonstrated remarkable tenacity against the legendary player, evoking memories of his past triumph over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 US Open.

After navigating an error-laden initial set, he regrouped, exhibiting exceptional court coverage and timing. His critical break at 3-1 in the final set became the pivotal moment as he clinched a composed win, managing to even the score in their head-to-head series at 1-1.

“Reflecting on this match, I realize there were improvements I could make, but he also played some fantastic points,” Djokovic acknowledged. This match not only marked Van de Zandschulp’s first consecutive victories of the season but also handed Djokovic his first three-match losing streak since 2018.

2) Miami R2: Goffin d. Alcaraz 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
David Goffin’s quiet prowess resurfaced when it mattered most. During the Miami Open, he channeled the skills that once led him to battle with giants like Roger Federer for the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals title. Skipping a slow start to the season, Goffin transformed his fortunes with a significant win over Ben Shelton in Acapulco.

However, under the Miami lights, Goffin unleashed his vintage brilliance on Carlos Alcaraz, showcasing a blend of timing and precision, which led to a remarkable comeback—his third successive victory over a Top 3 player.

“It feels fantastic to compete in an electrifying environment,” Goffin stated. “Matches like these compel me to keep playing. I aim to savor every moment on the court.”

1) Shanghai SF: Vacherot d. Djokovic 6-3, 6-4
In a dazzling performance at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Valentin Vacherot announced his arrival as a formidable contender. The World No. 204, who stitched together an inspiring journey through the qualifiers, delivered an impeccable display against Djokovic, fending off the Serbian champion’s usual resilience.

Staying focused despite Djokovic’s physical struggles, Vacherot exhibited incredible baseline consistency and pinpoint serving, marking the most significant win of his burgeoning career. He capped off his dream run by defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final—becoming the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champion ever.

“This is surreal! Just sharing the court with Novak was a phenomenal experience,” expressed Vacherot, who surged 164 spots to No. 40 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “There’s so much I can learn from this match and him. Today was an hour and 40 minutes of pure joy, despite the crowd’s lean towards Novak.”