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Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Valentin Vacherot has reached the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, continuing his impressive performance after winning the Shanghai Masters last year. His success is solidifying his reputation in major tennis events.
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Valentin Vacherot has enjoyed another impressive run at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Vacherot, who won the Shanghai Masters last year as the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP 1000 tournament, is starting to build a reputation for his performances in big events.
The attention hasn’t faded since. Last week, he made more history by reaching the semifinals in Monte Carlo, further establishing himself as one to watch.
Though his run ended against Carlos Alcaraz, Vacherot took to social media afterward to share a thoughtful message with fans.
Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images
Playing in front of a home crowd, Vacherot had the backing of his family throughout the tournament.
In an emotional Instagram post, he thanked them all, reflecting on what it meant to play in an event he’d always dreamed of as a child.
He wrote: “When you’re a kid you have big dreams… My parents reminded me this week that when I was six years old, after the tournament, I would walk in the living room with my tennis bag on my back as if I was walking on Center Court ready to play a match at home.
“Those dreams kept coming true and even more that I could have ever dreamt of. I stepped on that Center Court five times in one week to reach the semifinals of my home tournament. (love heart emoji)
“To my team, my girlfriend, my family, my friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support (love heart hands emoji).
“Thank you @rolexmontecarlomasters for the unforgettable emotions. Can’t wait for next year for more (Monaco flag emoji). Let’s keep going, see you in @mutuamadridopen (Spain flag emoji).”
Vacherot had already climbed over 200 places in the ATP rankings over the past 12 months, and that has continued after his run in Monte Carlo.
The 27-year-old has now risen a further six places in the latest update in the rankings, as Vacherot is now at his career-high ranking of world number 17.
He has a chance to keep moving up too, with just 148 ranking points to defend between now and when he returns to Shanghai Masters in October.
He was meant to play at the Barcelona Open this week but chose to pull out following his efforts in Monte Carlo.
This means Vacherot will have a week off before returning for his main draw debut at the Madrid Open.
Read more:
Valentin Vacherot won the Shanghai Masters last year and has recently reached the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
He made history by becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP 1000 tournament at the Shanghai Masters.
His impressive performances in major tournaments, including reaching the semifinals in Monte Carlo, have established him as a rising star in the sport.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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