No fan could have foreseen the final matchup at the 2025 Shanghai Masters,which ultimately pitted two cousins ranked outside the top 50 against each other.
Ranked 54th and 204th, respectively, Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot won their semifinal clashes with Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic to set up a family affair in the championship match.
vacherot had come through qualifying to reach the main draw in Shanghai and advanced all the way to the final, where he came back from a set down to beat Rinderknech.
His campaign marked one of the greatest underdog stories in recent memory, and he became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 tournament.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 12: Valentin Vacherot (L) of monaco poses for a photo with arthur Rinderknech of France prior to the Men’s Singles Final match on day 14 of the 2025 shanghai Rolex Masters at qi Zhong Tennis Center on October 12, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yin Liqin/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Vacherot also became the fifth player in history to clinch a maiden ATP title at a masters 1000 competition.
The Monegasque qualifier was as shocked as anybody with his heroics in Shanghai, which he discussed on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast.
Valentin Vacherot says when he thought he could win in shanghai
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When asked when he thought it was possible to win the tournament, Vacherot said: “It got crazy when I beat Tallon Griekspoor in the round of 16, and I didn’t know what my ranking was going to be.
Valentin Vacherot Reflects on Breakthrough Shanghai Masters Victory
Valentin Vacherot’s stunning run at the 2023 Shanghai Masters culminated in a title victory, marking a career high for the French player. Vacherot overcame a challenging field,including notable wins against Tallon Griekspoor,Holger Rune,and a especially significant upset against novak Djokovic,before defeating his cousin,Arthur Rinderknech,in the final.
Vacherot faced a series of arduous opponents throughout the Shanghai Masters.he began his campaign with a three-set victory over tallon Griekspoor in the fourth round. This was followed by a quarterfinal win against the highly-ranked Holger Rune, setting the stage for an even more remarkable encounter.
Upsetting Novak Djokovic
The semi-final match against Novak Djokovic proved to be the defining moment of the tournament for Vacherot. He secured a decisive victory, winning 6-3, 6-4. This win was a major upset,as Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most dominant players in tennis history. The ATP Tour reported that Vacherot played with exceptional composure and tactical awareness to overcome the serbian superstar.
Championship Victory Over Rinderknech
The final pitted Vacherot against a familiar face: his cousin,Arthur Rinderknech. Despite the personal connection adding an extra layer of complexity, Vacherot delivered a strong performance to secure the championship title. The match was described as a hard-fought contest, but Vacherot ultimately prevailed, demonstrating his skill and mental fortitude. Eurosport highlighted Vacherot’s amazing display in the title bout.
Looking Ahead
Vacherot’s victory at the Shanghai Masters represents a significant breakthrough in his career. it will be interesting to see how he builds on this success in future tournaments. The win is expected to significantly boost his ranking and establish him as a player to watch on the ATP Tour.