Home / Sports / Vacherot's Reign Challenged by Paul in Shanghai
Vacherot's Reign Challenged by Paul in Shanghai
12 Oct
Summary
- Tommy Paul faces defending champion Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai Masters third round.
- Vacherot won the Shanghai Masters as a qualifier last year, beating top players.
- Paul holds a slight edge on hard courts this season, making him a favorite.
Tommy Paul is poised to meet defending champion Valentin Vacherot in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on October 12, 2026. Paul secured his place by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 performance, marking his 40th win of the season.
Vacherot, the surprise qualifier who won the tournament last year, advanced by overcoming Sebastian Baez in a tense 6-4, 7-6 (5) match. This victory extended his winning streak at the Shanghai Masters to ten matches.
This encounter will be the first time Paul and Vacherot have faced each other. Paul has demonstrated consistency on hard courts this year, achieving multiple Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearances. Vacherot, while under pressure to defend his title, faces a slight challenge given Paul's current form on this surface.
