In a dreamlike showdown at the Shanghai Masters, 26-year-old qualifier Valentin Vacherot pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tennis history by defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in three thrilling sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 🎾🏆.
Ranked No.204 and hailing from Monaco, Vacherot became the lowest-ranked finalist ever at an ATP Masters 1000 event. Facing No.54 Rinderknech, the two cousins turned the court into a family reunion packed with tension and emotion.
The match kicked off with Rinderknech grabbing the first set 6-4, thanks to a powerful backhand break. But Vacherot refused to back down. With Roger Federer watching courtside and the crowd buzzing, he found his groove in the second set. A clutch service game and a crucial break in the eighth game flipped the momentum in his favor.
As humidity rose, Rinderknech showed signs of fatigue, while Vacherot kept his cool, saving break points with fearless groundstrokes. When he broke again in the deciding set, the tension exploded into cheers and gasps 😱.
This all-family final marked only the third time in Masters 1000 history two unseeded players contested the title. For Vacherot, the win was more than just a trophy—it made history for Monaco, delivering the principality’s first-ever ATP Tour title. His coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, summed it up best: "It's a fairytale come true." ✨
From qualifier to champion, Vacherot’s journey through Shanghai was straight out of a sports blockbuster. His victory proves that with passion, grit, and a bit of family rivalry, anything is possible. Next stop: defending champ or underdog status—either way, we’re here for the ride!
Reference(s):
World No. 204 Vacherot tops cousin Rinderknech to win Shanghai Masters
cgtn.com
