Player Highlights
Vacherot’s Near Miss in Shanghai Qualifying: ‘Absolutely Incredible’
Get an exclusive glimpse from Liam Draxl, Vacherot’s second-round qualifying opponent.
October 17, 2025
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Valentin Vacherot, then ranked No. 204 in the PIF ATP Rankings, made history as the lowest-ranked champion in ATP Masters 1000 history in Shanghai.
By Andrew Eichenholz
Just two points stood between Valentin Vacherot and an exit in the Rolex Shanghai Masters qualifying rounds.
The tennis world has been captivated by this Monagesque athlete’s extraordinary journey in China, where he not only advanced through the ranks but also became the lowest-ranked player ever to claim a title at the ATP Masters 1000 level. But how narrowly did Vacherot escape elimination before hitting the main draw?
The 26-year-old has reflected on the fortunate withdrawals that allowed him to compete in the qualifiers. But what occurred during his intense match against Liam Draxl in the second round?
As Draxl noted, the former Texas A&M standout was on the brink of victory. He recounted a pivotal moment when Vacherot executed a stunning shot that paved the way for his remarkable tournament run.
“I was really close to putting him under pressure. At five-all in the tie-break, he hit a brilliant first-serve return winner,” Draxl shared with ATPTour.com. “I attempted to serve and volley, but he nailed a cross-court angle winner. Then he cranked out a big serve to take the breaker.”
“I even had a break point in the third set at 4-3, but he blasted a 225 km/h serve out wide. That was tough for me, but it was undeniably a high-caliber match.”
According to Infosys ATP Stats, the match lasted two hours and 48 minutes, with only five total points separating the two competitors. Vacherot’s ability to save two out of four break points was vital to securing his place in the main draw.
Draxl remarked, “I genuinely thought to myself, ‘He could win a couple of rounds in the main draw.’ It really was an incredible match. Truly unbelievable.”
Post-match, Draxl summed it up perfectly: “What a wild run for Val.”
Despite the tension of the match, Draxl expressed happiness for his college rival. Having played for the University of Kentucky while Vacherot represented Texas A&M, Draxl appreciates seeing successful players emerge from college tennis.
“It’s fantastic to witness college tennis players excel, especially from the SEC. The competition was always fierce during our college years,” said Draxl, who currently holds the World No. 118 ranking. “Battling against Val and other talented players like Ben [Shelton] and [Adam] Walton in such a competitive conference formed incredible memories.”
“Those were some of the best days of my life. It’s inspiring to see all these guys breaking into the Top 100 and achieving great things. I hope to follow in their footsteps and join that elite group soon.”
