Novak Djokovic refused to elaborate on his fitness after suffering one of the most surprising defeats of his career against world No.204 Valentin Vacherot.
The 38-year-oldwas bidding for a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title, having already set a new benchmark by being the oldest man to get to the last four at this level.
But the 24-time grand slam champion, who had vomited and collapsed in his previous matches this week in hot and humid conditions, struggled physically once again and Vacherot capitalised in ruthless fashion.
Djokovic refused to discuss his condition afterwards, instead heaping praise on Vacherot, who had only beaten two top-50 players before this tournament, which he entered as an alternate for qualifying.
‘I want to congratulate Valentin for reaching his first Masters final,’ the fourth seed said.
‘Going from qualifications, it’s an amazing story. I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament.
‘More so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well. So it’s all about him. I wish him all the best in the finals, and the better player won today.’
Pressed for an update on his.’ condition, Djokovic, who had several medical timeouts and received treatment on his lower back, said: No. Next question, please.’
Vacherot thumped 23 winners and sealed the best win of his career to continue his fairytale run from his second match point. Vacherot is guaranteed to leap into the world’s top 60 next week.
‘This is just crazy,’ he said on court afterwards. ‘It was an hour and 40 minutes of pure joy, even though not many people wanted me to keep going. He’s really appreciated here.
‘I got a bit lost in all his titles when they were announcing him, but it was an unreal experience. Now I’m probably just going to enjoy the win tonight and think about the final tomorrow.’
Vacherot watched the other semi-final and had his head in his hands in disbelief after his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech shocked 2019 champion Medvedev before going courtside to hug the winner.
‘In the best dreams, we couldn’t have dreamt about this, so I can’t even say it’s a dream because I don’t think even one person in our family dreamt about it,’ Rinderknech said.
‘It wasn’t a dream, it’s just a dream that came out of nowhere. We started believing it, I would say, in the quarters, maybe.
‘Now we are here, we fought through so many matches and somehow we are the (two) guys standing at the end, so it’s just incredible.’