Valentin Vacherot Shocks at the Shanghai Masters
In a historic day for tennis, Valentin Vacherot conquered the Shanghai Masters, achieving the first title of his career after an impressive performance from the qualifying rounds. Vacherot defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
Vacherot, currently ranked 204th, became the tournament winner with the lowest ranking in the history of the ATP Masters 1000. Furthermore, this achievement represents a milestone for the Principality of Monaco, as he is the first tennis player from this country to achieve such distinction.
Vacherot’s performance was truly exceptional.
In the semifinals, Vacherot surprised the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic, a player with 24 Grand Slam titles, which allowed him to advance to the final against Rinderknech.
In the decisive set, Vacherot demonstrated his mastery with the serve, achieving three consecutive games without conceding a single point and stringing together 15 consecutive points. Although he finally lost a point in the eighth game due to an unforced error, his dominance was evident.
Rinderknech, with 15-40 against him, managed to save a match point, but Vacherot responded with a powerful forehand that secured the victory. Vacherot’s celebration, visibly emotional, was a highlight of the tournament.
After the victory, Vacherot ran to embrace his coach, Benjamin Balleret, who is also his half-brother and a former tennis player from Monaco.
The only time they previously faced each other in a professional tournament was in 2018, in a futures tournament, where Rinderknech was victorious.
