Novak Djokovic knocked out of Shanghai Masters by world number 204 Valentin Vacherot

Injury had been an issue for Djokovic throughout the tournament, and he had vomited in his previous matches after struggling with the heat and humidity.

The problems flared up again in Saturday’s semi-final, when the 38-year-old received multiple medical treatments.

At the start of the seventh game, the former world number one was forced to take a long medical break, lying face down topless while a physiotherapist attended to his back.

He received treatment again at halftime but fought until the second set.

Despite a visible struggle, the Serbian gave Shanghai fans hope of a comeback by taking a 4-3 lead before Vacherot won three games in a row and reached the final.

“I want to congratulate Valentin on reaching his first Masters final,” Djokovic said.

“Based on the qualifiers, it’s an incredible story. I told him online that he had a great tournament, but more so his attitude was very good and his play was great.

“So it’s all about him. I wish him good luck in the finals and may the better player win today.”

Vacherot, who guaranteed to enter the top 100 for the first time by defeating Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, rose 146 places in the live rankings as a result of the Shanghai run and ranked 58th in the world.