Valentin Vacherot's coach left surprised by what Felix Auger-Aliassime did during match at the Paris Masters

Valentin Vacherot’s winning streak at Masters events finally came to an end after losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime in Paris.

Vacherot, who became the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP Masters title in Shanghai, fell to Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

The Monegasque star had enjoyed a strong start in his campaign at the Paris Masters, earning wins over Jiri Lehecka, Cameron Norrie, and a second straight victory against his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.

A defiant Auger-Aliassime proved too much for him in the quarterfinals, however, with the Canadian putting pressure on Lorenzo Musetti for the eighth and final spot in the ATP Finals.

After watching his player concede the first set, Vacherot’s coach, Benjamin Ballaret, was left surprised at his opponent’s level.

Benjamin Ballaret’s reaction to Valentin Vacherot losing set one

In a courtside interview with Sky Sports after Auger-Aliassime drew first blood to take a set lead, Ballaret said: “I think Felix’s level was pretty insane for that first set.

“Valentin got a bit frustrated at the beginning because Felix returned pretty good, better than we expected. He got a bit frustrated with that.

“But I believe Val is still here to learn at this level. He is still new. What he can do is try to adapt and raise his levels; that is what I’m trying to tell him.”

Auger-Aliassime delivered a strong serving display against Vacherot, tallying a first serve win percentage of 89%, and facing only two break points, both of which he defended.

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Reacting to his triumph, former American player Ryan Harrison said: “He had an excellent game plan. He was really aggressive with his serve and forehand.

“He stuck to his guns there, and when Vacherot was trying to exploit his backhand, he was incredibly consistent and used great variation.”

With Carlos Alcaraz’s exit from the Paris Masters, the top half of the draw, where Auger-Aliassime is, was blown wide open, handing a golden opportunity for the world number 10 to win his first Masters crown.

Harrison said: “If you look at the top half of the draw right now, the way he is playing, I put him as the favourite no matter who comes through, and just looking at the way he is on form right now, Sinner was a bit fatigued, I have him as the title favourite now.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime clinches fourth Masters 1000 semifinal

With his triumph over Vacherot, Auger-Aliassime has now reached his fourth ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.

Among players born since 2000, the 25-year-old has the fourth-most final four appearances at the level, trailing only Holger Rune, Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.

Auger-Aliassime last reached a Masters 1000 semifinal at the Madrid Open in 2024, where he ultimately advanced to the final before losing to Andrey Rublev.

Prior to that, he made the semifinals of the 2022 Paris Masters and the 2019 Miami Open.

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