SHANGHAI — An ailing Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on Saturday by world number 204 Valentin Vacherot.

The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to deny him a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai.

A hobbling Djokovic threw up courtside and received medical treatment multiple times, but still managed to last two sets, although he was far from his best.

Vacherot will face either his cousin, the unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

“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.

“To have Novak on the other side of the court was first of all an invaluable experience for me.

“I

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