Vacherot Beats Cousin for Historic Shanghai Masters Title

Vacherot Beats Cousin Rinderknech to Win Historic Shanghai Masters Title

Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, produced one of the most extraordinary upsets in tennis history to win the Shanghai Masters, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in an emotional all-family final.

In doing so, the 26-year-old from Monaco became the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champion since the format’s inception in 1990, capturing his first-ever ATP Tour title in dramatic fashion.

From Qualifier to Champion

Vacherot’s story is the stuff of tennis legend:

• Entered as an alternate in the qualifiers after two player withdrawals

• Won 9 matches to lift the title, coming from a set down in six of them

• Claimed career-defining victories over Holger Rune (World No.11) and Novak Djokovic (24-time Grand Slam champion)

• Had only one ATP Tour match win before this tournament

• Becomes the first Monégasque to win a tour-level title in the Open Era

His remarkable run also propels him into the ATP Top 100 for the first time in his career, a monumental leap from obscurity to elite status.

Final Drama & Family Affair

Both players struggled to hold back tears during the post-match ceremony

In a rare ATP final between family members—the first since John McEnroe faced brother Patrick in 1991—Vacherot held his nerve under immense emotional and physical pressure:

• Dropped the first set 4-6 as nerves set in

• Recovered with precision hitting in the second, highlighted by a backhand down the line to break at 5-3

• Converted an early break in the third with a stunning cross-court backhand

• Sealed victory with a searing forehand winner, before emotionally embracing his cousin at the net

Post-match, a tearful Vacherot wrote “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud” on the courtside camera before sprinting to the stands to celebrate with family and coach.

Post-Match Emotions

Valentin Vacherot:

“It is unreal what just happened. I have no idea what is happening right now. There has to be one loser but I think there are two winners today – one family that won, and a beautiful story for tennis.”

Arthur Rinderknech:

“Valentin, you gave everything. I’m so proud of you. Two cousins are stronger than one.”

Match Stats & Breakdown

• Humidity & heat played a role, with both players needing shirt changes and Rinderknech requiring medical treatment on his back late in the third.

What’s Next?

• Vacherot’s ATP Ranking will now soar into the Top 100, changing the trajectory of his career.

• Rinderknech, despite defeat, moves into the ATP Top 40.

• With the Paris Masters and ATP Finals approaching, Vacherot’s sudden rise adds a fresh wildcard threat to the closing stretch of the season.

Quick Facts: Vacherot’s Road to Glory

• ATP Tour wins before Shanghai: 1

• Shanghai wins: 9 (including qualifying)

• Prize money earned in Shanghai: £824,000 (more than double his entire previous career earnings)

• Family history: Played cousin Rinderknech only in juniors and college (Texas A&M) — first time professionally

• Not even on original qualifying list – entered due to last-minute withdrawals