Shanghai Masters 2025: Qualifier Valentin Vacherot triumphs in all-cousin final against Arthur Rinderknech
Valentin Vacherot has written tennis history, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech to claim a stunning victory at the 2025 Shanghai Masters.
The 26-year-old Monégasque came from a set down to win 4–6, 6–3, 6–3, becoming the first player from Monaco to win an ATP title, and doing so on one of the sport’s biggest stages: an ATP Masters 1000 event.
Vacherot, who entered Shanghai ranked world No. 204, now soars to No. 40 in the ATP rankings – a meteoric rise that crowns one of the most remarkable underdog runs in modern tennis. Rinderknech, who also cracks the top 40 for the first time, moves up to world No. 28, just over 100 points from becoming France’s top-ranked male player.
“It’s simply breathtaking. I don’t have adequate adjectives for this achievement,” said Prince Albert II after the victory. “We knew Valentin had qualities, that he had been progressing for some months now, and we knew he had the potential to go so far, but we never thought he could reach a Masters 1000 final so quickly.”
It’s remarkable not only in terms of technique and physicality, but also mentally. He’s a boy who has progressed greatly at that level.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II
“It’s really tough that there has to be one loser today. I think there are just two winners — one family that won. For the sport of tennis, this story is unreal. I wish there could be two winners. Unfortunately, there’s only one — and I’m really happy it’s me.”
At 2 hours and 14 minutes, the match ended with both cousins visibly emotional. As Vacherot looked to the camera, his message was simple and heartfelt:
“Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”
DAGHE VALENTIN &
DAGHE MUNEGU !!
