SHANGHAI – In a historic day for tennis, Valentin Vacherot was crowned champion of the Shanghai Masters, after defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech with scores of 4-6, 6-3 and 6-3. This triumph marks the first title of his professional career, consolidating an outstanding performance since the qualifying rounds.
Vacherot, currently in the 204th position in the world ranking, starred in an unprecedented feat by becoming the winner of a Masters 1000 tournament with the lowest ranking in ATP history. In addition, this achievement makes him the first tennis player from the small principality of Monaco to achieve such distinction.
The road to victory was impressive. In the semifinals, Vacherot surprised the world by defeating Novak Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slam titles, which allowed him to advance to the final against Rinderknech.
In the decisive set, Vacherot demonstrated his dominance with impeccable serving, stringing together three consecutive games to love and adding 15 points in a row. Although Rinderknech saved a match point, Vacherot sealed the victory with a powerful forehand.
Following the triumph, Vacherot expressed his disbelief and emotion, sharing hugs with his cousin and his team, including his coach, Benjamin Balleret, who is also his half-brother and former tennis player.
Before this match, Rinderknech had won his only previous encounter in a futures tournament in 2018.
