Valentin Vacherot Shocks at the Shanghai Masters
In a performance that will be etched in tennis history, Valentin Vacherot has conquered the Shanghai Masters, achieving the first title of his career after an impressive run from the qualifying rounds. Vacherot, currently ranked 204th in the world, defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
This triumph not only represents a personal milestone for Vacherot, but also a historic moment for tennis, as he becomes the winner of a Masters 1000 tournament with the lowest ranking in ATP history, and the first to achieve it representing the small Principality of Monaco.
The tournament’s semi-final witnessed an epic moment when Vacherot defeated Novak Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slam titles. In the final, he faced Rinderknech, who had previously overcome Daniil Medvedev, champion of the 2021 US Open.
In the final set, Vacherot demonstrated his prowess with impeccable serving, stringing together three consecutive games to love and adding 15 straight points before committing an unforced error in the eighth game.
Rinderknech, fighting to stay in the match, saved a match point, but Vacherot sealed the victory with a powerful forehand that left his opponent with no options.
After securing the victory, Vacherot expressed his disbelief and emotion, embracing his cousin at the net and sharing an emotional hug with his coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret.
In the past, Balleret had the opportunity to face Roger Federer at the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters.
In the tournament, Rinderknech secured the first set with an ace. Vacherot managed an early break in the deciding set, but wasted four break opportunities in the fifth game. Rinderknech requested a medical timeout to receive treatment on his back and left shoulder.
