Valentin Vacherot Shocks at the Shanghai Masters
In an unexpected turn of events, Valentin Vacherot won the Shanghai Masters title, marking the first triumph of his professional career. The tennis player, coming from the qualifying rounds, demonstrated an amazing performance in the tournament.
Vacherot, currently ranked 204th, made history by becoming the winner of a Masters 1000 tournament with the lowest ranking in ATP history. In addition, he is the first tennis player from the small Principality of Monaco to achieve this feat.
In the final, Vacherot faced his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, whom he defeated with scores of 4-6, 6-3, and 6-3. Previously, in the semifinals, Vacherot surprised the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slams.
The final match was a display of skill by Vacherot, especially in the third set, where he maintained impeccable service, winning 15 consecutive points before committing an unforced error in the eighth game.
With Rinderknech trying to stay in the match, Vacherot saved a match point, but finally secured the victory with a powerful forehand that left his opponent with no answer.
After the triumph, Vacherot expressed his disbelief and celebrated with his team, including his coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret.
The match marked the first encounter between the two on the professional circuit, with Rinderknech having won the only previous match in a futures tournament in 2018.
