Novak Djokovic loses Shanghai Masters semi after lashing out over injury frustration

Novak Djokovic has crashed out of the Shanghai Masters after losing his semi-final against Valentin Vacherot while struggling badly with a back injury.

At 4-3 down in games during the first set, the tennis icon lashed a ball away in frustration at the irritence his lower back injury was causing him. The Serb received treatment from the physio midway through the first set before losing it 6-3.

Despite clearly being in some pain, Djokovic superbly held his serve for the first game of the second set which lasted roughly 10 minutes. Vacherot struck back to level the set in a dominant game with his serve, but Djokovic made it 2-1 before quickly receiving more attention at the changeover.

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The legendary Serbian also got particularly emotional at his coaching team where he shouted a number of angry words in their direction. Given the circumstances, there was no response from those in the relatives box.

Djokovic struggled for a few games but started to get back into his rhythm with that shown by a superb rally and winning shot to reclaim control of the seventh game in set two.

However, Vacherot went on to hit several excellent shots to break his opponent's serve with a third Djokovic double fault of the game as the decisive point.

The 26-year-old was taken to deuce in his service game for the match but hit an excellent serve to reach the final. Djokovic could be seen visibly struggling throughout before ultimately being beaten 6-3, 6-4.

The pair shared a touching moment at the net with Vacherot not overly celebrating as he was likely aware of how much Djokovic was struggling for the majority of the game.

He did have a moment to himself after the biggest win of his career where he simply just laughed seemingly in disbelief at what he had just achieved.

Speaking to Sky Sports on the victory, Vacherot said: "I can't put any words to it. This is crazy. Just to be on the other side of the net was an unbelievable experience.

"I have learnt so much from this match. He is really appreciated here. I almost got lost in all the titles he had won when they were announcing him."

It is easy to understand why he was in such shock having entered the tournament as the world No.204 with the chance to earn more prize money even from losing in the final than he has managed in his career thus far.

And in another intriguing set of events he could play his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final with his semi-final clash Daniil Medvedev coming up later today.