Valentin Vacherot’s Shanghai dream reached its breathtaking climax on Sunday — and it ended with tears, family, and history.
The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco completed one of the most improbable title runs in tennis history, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4–6, 6–3, 6–3 to win the 2025 Shanghai Masters.
The moment of a lifetime.
Merci les gars 🫶#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/WZIUSmyDzz
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 12, 2025
With the victory, Vacherot not only claimed his maiden ATP title but also became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 event, rewriting tennis history in front of a stunned and emotional crowd.
From Qualifier to Champion — and History Maker
Ranked No. 204 at the start of the tournament,
Vacherot began his journey in the qualifying rounds, never imagining he’d be standing under the lights a week later holding the Masters trophy.
His run included victories over top-20 opponents, culminating in a stunning semifinal upset over Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s greatest competitors.
That victory alone would have been enough to define a career — but Vacherot wasn’t done.
Against all odds, he carried his fearless form into the final, where destiny had one more twist in store: facing his own cousin across the net.
A Family Affair — and an Emotional Finish
When the final forehand passing shot zipped past Rinderknech, Vacherot dropped his racket, fell to his knees, and broke down in tears.
The crowd roared, but Vacherot was lost in his emotions — overcome by the weight of the journey, the memories of family, and the surreal realization of what he had just achieved.
A proud family moment ❤️#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/TEvBJyqCCg
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 12, 2025
“This is one of the best moments of my life,” he said during the trophy ceremony, voice cracking. “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”
It was a tribute that moved even his opponent. Rinderknech — who had earlier written “I follow you Val” on a TV camera lens after his quarterfinal win — embraced his cousin at the net, both men visibly emotional.
Two Cousins, One Shared Dream
Cousins who made history together 🥹@arthurrinder @val_vacherot #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/0IASJgq9dF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 12, 2025
All week, the cousins had been each other’s biggest supporters. When Rinderknech stunned Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, Vacherot was in the stands celebrating like a fan. When it became clear they’d meet in the final, the pair shared a long hug, soaking in the moment that would define both their careers.
A Historic Win for Monaco
Vacherot’s triumph is historic on multiple fronts. He became just the third qualifier ever to win a Masters 1000 title — joining Spain’s Roberto Carretero (1996 Hamburg) and Albert Portas (2001 Hamburg).
More remarkably, he is the first player representing Monaco to ever win an ATP singles title in the Open Era — a milestone that cements his name in the small principality’s sporting history.
A Life-Changing Leap
The fairytale victory rocketed Vacherot from world No. 204 to No. 40, a career-high ranking and a 164-spot jump, one of the largest in Masters history.
He also earned $1.12 million in prize money, nearly doubling his entire career earnings in one week. For Rinderknech, despite the heartbreak, the run to the final propelled him to a career-high world No. 28 — proof that this family rivalry lifted them both.
