Valentin Vacherot Shocks in Shanghai and Wins His First Title
In an unexpected turn that has shaken the tennis world, Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th, has achieved a historic feat by winning the Shanghai Masters. This triumph marks the first title of his professional career.
Vacherot defeated his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a final that will be etched in the memory of the fans.
The 26-year-old tennis player, hailing from the small Principality of Monaco, became the winner of the tournament with the lowest ranking in the history of the ATP Masters 1000. His path to victory was impressive, starting from the qualifying rounds.
One of the most outstanding moments of his participation was the victory in the semifinals against the renowned Novak Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slams. In the final, he faced Rinderknech, who had previously defeated Daniil Medvedev, winner of the US Open in 2021, in a remarkable semifinal.
Vacherot demonstrated impeccable service in the third set, with three consecutive games without conceding points and a streak of 15 points in a row, before making an unforced error in the eighth game.
Rinderknech, fighting to stay in the match, saved a match point, but Vacherot secured the victory with a powerful forehand that left his opponent with no answer.
After the victory, Vacherot expressed his disbelief and emotion, celebrating with his team and his coach, Benjamin Balleret, who is also his half-brother.
In the past, Balleret had an encounter with Roger Federer at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2006. The Shanghai final was attended by Federer among the audience.
Vacherot managed an early break in the decisive set and had several break opportunities in the fifth game, but Rinderknech managed to stay in the match. Rinderknech requested a medical timeout to receive treatment on his back and shoulder.
Before this match, they had only faced each other once in a futures tournament in 2018, with Rinderknech as the winner.
