Valentin Vacherot Surprises and Conquers the Shanghai Masters
In a memorable performance, Valentin Vacherot won the Shanghai Masters title, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in an exciting match that culminated in a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. This triumph marks the first championship of his professional career, an even more impressive achievement considering his journey from the qualifying rounds. Vacherot, currently ranked 204th in the world, made history by becoming the winner of a Masters 1000 tournament with the lowest ranking in ATP history. Furthermore, this milestone represents the first time a tennis player from the small Principality of Monaco has been crowned champion in this prestigious event. The road to victory was arduous. Vacherot starred in an impressive performance, including a victory over Novak Djokovic, multiple Grand Slam champion, in the semifinals. This triumph opened the doors to the final, where he faced Rinderknech. In the decisive set, Vacherot demonstrated his dominance with impeccable serving, accumulating three consecutive blank games and stringing together 15 points in a row. Despite losing a point in the eighth game due to an unforced error, he maintained the pressure on his opponent. With Rinderknech fighting to stay in the match, Vacherot saved a match point with a powerful forehand that secured the victory. The champion’s celebration reflected the disbelief and emotion of the moment, sharing hugs with his cousin and his technical team, led by coach Benjamin Balleret, his half-brother and also a former tennis player. It should be noted that Federer was present in the audience during the match, witnessing the moment when Rinderknech took the first set. Vacherot managed an early break in the final set, although he wasted four break opportunities in the fifth game. Rinderknech requested a medical timeout to receive treatment for back and shoulder discomfort.This was the first match between the two on the professional circuit, with Rinderknech winning the only previous encounter in a Futures tournament in 2018.
