Valentin Vacherot Shocks in Shanghai: Conquers the Masters with a Historic Performance
In a memorable day for tennis, Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, won the Shanghai Masters title, after defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. This victory not only represents the first title of his career, but also makes him the winner of a Masters 1000 tournament with the lowest ranking in ATP history.
The 26-year-old tennis player, originally from the Principality of Monaco, starred in a surprising performance from the qualifying rounds, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
Vacherot achieved an impressive feat by defeating Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, in the semifinals. This led him to face Rinderknech, 30 years old, who had in turn overcome Daniil Medvedev, a finalist in four major tournaments and US Open 2021 champion, in a remarkable semifinal.
In the decisive set, Vacherot demonstrated his dominance with his serve, achieving three consecutive games to love and adding 15 points in a row. Although Rinderknech saved a match point, Vacherot secured the victory with a powerful forehand that left his opponent with no options.
After the triumph, Vacherot expressed his disbelief and celebrated with his team, including his coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, a former tennis player.
The match was attended by Roger Federer, who witnessed the first set won by Rinderknech.
Vacherot secured an early break in the final set, but failed to convert four break opportunities in the fifth game. Rinderknech requested a medical timeout to receive treatment on his back and shoulder.
This match marked the first encounter between the two on the professional circuit, with Rinderknech winning their only previous match in a futures tournament in 2018.
