Qualifier Valentin Vacherot rallied from behind to defeat his cousin Arthur Rinderknech and complete his fairytale Shanghai Masters run, winning the biggest title of his career in a unique and historic final.
Vacherot started the week as an alternate and ranked 204th in the world but the 26-year-old Monegasque produced a stunning run, knocking out a string of big names including Holger Rune in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic in the semis, to become the lowest-ranked Masters finalist in history.
The twist came as Vacherot faced family in the final, with Rinderknech’s win against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals setting up one of the stories of the season as the two cousins, who were also college team-mates, competed against each other for the biggest prize of their careers.
With Roger Federer watching on, Rinderknech, the 30-year-old Frenchman, was the first to settle and broke Vacherot in the third game of the first set. The second set was dominated by serve until Vacherot raised his level to break Rinderknech for the first time, and then carried his momentum into the decider.
After Vacherot took the opening break, Rinderknech struggled physically while his younger cousin raced over the line. “It’s unreal, a dream,” Vacherot said after embracing his cousin at the net. “There has to be one loser, but I think there's just two winners today, one family that won. For the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal.”
Follow all the reaction from the final of the Shanghai Masters below:
Shanghai Masters final
- Valentin Vacherot defeats his cousin Arthur Rinderknech to win unique Shanghai final
- Qualifier Vacherot rallies from behind to become lowest-ranked Masters champion
- World No 204 becomes first Monegasque player to win an ATP tournament
- Victory over Rinderknech follows wins over Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune
- Vacherot and Rinderknech set up all-cousin clash with historic runs to final
Cousins, tears and a Cinderella story for the ages at the Shanghai Masters
14:46 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen Valentin Vacherot arrived at the Shanghai Masters two weeks ago, he was ranked 204th in the world and did not even have a place in the tournament.
On Sunday, the 26-year-old qualifier did not just make history as the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title, as well as the lowest-ranked Masters champion of all time. The winner’s cheque of £824,000 was more than double his previous career earnings of £380,000.
But a life-changing victory for Vacherot came against his cousin, the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who he shared tears with as they congratulated each other during an emotional trophy ceremony.
Cousins, tears and a Cinderella story for the ages at the Shanghai Masters
Vacherot's run from qualifying Shanghai title
13:49 , Jamie BraidwoodValentin Vacherot was two points from defeat when he faced Liam Draxl in the second round of qualifying. By coming through that match, he entered the main draw of an ATP Masters tournament for just the second time, where he went on to beat five seeds and his cousin in the final. He also came from a set down six times.
Q1: vs Basavareddy - 6-7, 6-4 6-2
Q2: vs Drazl - 4-6 7-6 6-4
R1: vs Djere - 6-3 6-4
R2: vs Bublik (14) - 3-6 6-3 6-4
R3: vs Machac (20) - 6-0 3-1 (R)
R4: vs Griekspoor (27) - 4-6 7-6 6-4
QF: vs Rune (10) - 2-6 7-6 6-4
SF: vs Djokovic (4) - 6-3 6-4
F: vs Rinderknech - 4-6 6-3 6-3
Valentin Vacherot admits he was 'losing faith' this year
13:31 , Jamie BraidwoodValentin Vacherot admitted he was “losing faith” in his tennis career as he turned to his girlfriend Emily Synder and thanked her for her support.
“I think the first matches she watched me play, I was playing ITF 15. I don't even know where, losing first round, and now we're standing here.
“I started losing faith this year. I was telling her, our goal is to finish the year top 100. I started updating it this past few months.
“She kept telling me, no, no, no, no, it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen and yeah, it's more than happening now.”
Vacherot's historic Shanghai run
13:18 , Jamie BraidwoodValentin Vacherot is the lowest-ranked Masters champion of all time, breaking the record by 52 places. He was not even down to enter the tournament this week but arrived as an alternate and got his spot after nine other players withdrew.
Lowest-ranked Masters champions
Vacherot: No. 204 (Shanghai 2025)
Coric: No. 152 (Cincinnati 2022)
Carretero: No. 143 (Hamburg 1996)
Pernfors: No. 95 (Montreal 1993)
Popyrin: No. 62 (Montreal 2024)
Valentin Vacherot doubles career prize money in two weeks
12:59 , Jamie BraidwoodBefore entering Shanghai, Valentin Vacherot had career earnings of £380,000.
By winning nine matches in row and winning his first ATP Tour title at a Masters event, he has just scooped up £824,000.
He will become the new World No 40 on Monday.
Arthur Rinderknech: 'Five months ago I was below the floor'
12:39 , Jamie BraidwoodSome lovely words as Arthur Rinderknech thanks Lucas Pouille, the French player who has been coaching him for the past five months while he has been injured.
“Thank you to Lucas, Lucas at home,” Rinderknech says. “You know, we started and I was in below this, below the floor. Five months ago, I was thinking about stopping tennis at some point because I wasn't seeing the point anymore. You believed in me, you gave me a chance, you trusted in me.
“We started, we moved forward, and, you know, here we are. I don't know, top 30 something for, for the end of the season, and, I hope it's only the beginning. I can't thank you enough.”
Rinderknech cramps up during trophy ceremony
12:34 , Jamie BraidwoodWow. Dramatic scenes as Rinderknech cries out in pain, appearing to be hit by some delayed cramp, and a chair is brought out for him to sit on.
More tears as Vacherot turns to Rinderknech
12:33 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s Vacherot’s turn to step up to the mic and the 26-year-old looks as composed as he was on court until he turns to his cousin and says a few words to him in French. Vacherot also breaks down as he thanks his coach Benjamin Balleret, “my brother, my everything”.
Rinderknech in tears as he addresses his cousin
12:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech breaks down in tears as he attempts to address his cousin Vacherot in French.
Both men are crying. “My cousin...” Rinderknech begins, before he breaks down.
“Valentin, my cousin, my love. Two cousins are stronger than one. You gave everything - I’m so happy for you. I hope we are going to have more battles.”
"Two cousins are stronger than one"
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 12, 2025
Moving, beautiful scenes in Shanghai ❤️@arthurrinder @val_vacherot pic.twitter.com/s3WyZ78h7m
Vacherot and Rinderknech prepare for unique trophy ceremony
12:19 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot and Rinderknech are sitting next to each as they watch a montage of highlights from Shanghai and the trophy ceremony is prepared. You do not see the scenes week to week. It’s special.
Valentin Vacherot: 'It's just unreal what's happened'
12:07 , Jamie Braidwood“Crying, it's just... It's unreal what just happened. I have, I have no idea what's happening right now. I'm not in a dream, it's just crazy. I'm just so happy of my performance these past two weeks.
“There has to be one loser, but I think there's just two winners today, one family that won, and, and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal, and I wish there could be two winners, but unfortunately there's only one. For myself, I'm very happy that it's, it's me.
“I was just trying to beat the other guy the guy on the other side of the net. I tried to put it on the side that it's my cousin, that is the guy that I've been training with in Texas A&M that I've been growing up with, going on vacation with and everything. It was really tough.
“He did a better job than me in the first set, with coping with the pressure and everything. He played way better than me. I just tried to find a way to turn that around and and then make the match a little bit myself towards the end, yeah.
“We put on, way more of a show than we put, I think, the first half of the match. I'm happy for that for the crowd. It's just surreal to be with Arthur on this court.”
Vacherot's emotional message on the camera
12:05 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot writes: “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud” on the camera lens.
An amazing way to sum up this unique final, with Vacherot and his cousin Rinderknech coming from the same family!
The embrace at the net between Vacherot and Rinderknech was special too.
Vacherot completes fairytale in Shanghai
12:03 , Jamie BraidwoodJust incredible. There are tears as Vacherot embraces his coach, his half-brother Benjamin Balleret, and his wife, who spent the deciding set with every one of her fingers crossed in pure anguish.
The 26-year-old started the week as an alternate to qualifying. He did not even have a place in the draw and only got in when others pulled out.
He has won nine matches in a row, beating top players in Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune and his own cousin Arthur Rinderknech. His winners cheque of over $1m is more than double his career earnings.
At World No 204, he is the lowest-ranked Masters champion of all time. He will jump 164 places to 40th in the world. And he is the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Vacherot 4-6 6-3 6-3 Rinderknech
11:58 , Jamie BraidwoodHE HAS DONE IT! THE LOWEST-RANKED MASTERS CHAMPION OF ALL TIME!
VACHEROT FINDS THE FOREHAND WINNER DOWN THE LINE AND COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS IN DISBELIEF!
And how about these scenes! There is a warm embrace at the net as the cousins fall into each other’s arms.
What a story in Shanghai. Amazing.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 5-3 Rinderknech*
11:56 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot flies into the forehand winner and crushes it past Rinderknech! 0-30, he is only two points away.
Rinderknech snaps a winner off his feet into the open court. Vacherot can afford a chuckle.
But Rinderknech floats a forehand long! Two Championship points for Vacherot, the World 204...
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 5-3 Rinderknech*
11:54 , Jamie BraidwoodThere is no let-up from Vacherot. Unplayable on serve, with Rinderknech unable to respond as he moves 40-0 up.
A backhand down the line goes wide and is the first point he has dropped on serve this set. It’s followed by a forehand that catches the tape.
But Vacherot steadies to put away the forehand winner, and he takes the game. Another one, and he will become a Masters champion.
*Vacherot 4-6 6-3 4-3 Rinderknech
11:49 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech gets through a service game without facing break points. That was straight-forward, and just what he needed.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 4-2 Rinderknech*
11:47 , Jamie BraidwoodEmphatic and ruthless from Vacherot. He has won 12/12 points on serve this set. Rinderknech is clearly struggling and could not get out to a couple of those wide serves from his cousin.
*Vacherot 4-6 6-3 3-2 Rinderknech
11:45 , Jamie BraidwoodThat was some extensive treatment Rinderknech received. He has been under pressure all set, saving nine of 10 break points, with Vacherot in charge.
Can he continue his momentum after the timeout?
MEDICAL TIMEOUT! *Vacherot 4-6 6-3 3-2 Rinderknech
11:42 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech is lying on his front and is receiving treatment on his back. He has started a three-minute medical timeout.
*Vacherot 4-6 6-3 3-2 Rinderknech
11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech nets on the backhand and faces another break point - but saves his sixth in a row with a inside-out forehand winner.
He has game point, but can’t execute the drop shot and Vacherot can make the simple backhand pass.
Vacherot has another break point as Rinderknech volleys out - but the Frenchman saves with the ace.
What an effort from Rinderknech. An eight-minute hold to prevent the double-break.
But the Frenchman is struggling and has called the trainer.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 3-1 Rinderknech*
11:35 , Jamie BraidwoodOh my goodness this is just stunning from Vacherot. Rinderknech opens the door slightly with a drop shot that doesn’t clear the net. Vacherot flings himself into a flying forehand winner down the line to bring up two more break points.
Rinderknech somehow saves the first, catching lines out wide and on the baseline. And that’s too good again from Rinderknech: standing tall at the net and putting away the volley as Vacherot threw himself into the backhand pass.
Deuce.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 3-1 Rinderknech*
11:29 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot had three break points to go 3-0 up in the deciding set. How will he respond to Rinderknech digging in?
The answer is very well indeed. Vacherot’s serve is firing and his game is flowing. He holds to love. Perfect.
*Vacherot 4-6 6-3 2-1 Rinderknech
11:26 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech’s grip on this final is slipping! After Vacherot wins his seventh point in a row, Rinderknech double faults to look at 0-30 on serve. He bellows in frustration.
This is a must-hold game, but Vacherot’s level has exploded off the charts! He pins a forehand return onto the baseline to bring up three more break points.
But Rinderknech somehow drags himself back. He goes bold on the forehand and catches the line before firing an ace out wide to get to deuce.
Rinderknech finds the backhand pass as Vacherot came into the net - and roars at the crowd. Another big serve from Rinderknech and he holds after winning five points in a row.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 2-0 Rinderknech*
11:20 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot is surging! That’s five games in a row now for the 26-year-old. He slams the door on Rinderknech with a forehand winner and ace, a love-hold and what a statement to his cousin.
BREAK! *Vacherot 4-6 6-3 1-0 Rinderknech
11:17 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech drags a crosscourt backhand wide on the opening point - the short of shot he was nailing earlier on. Vacherot ramps up the pressure and Rinderknech nets.
Ooof. Huge chance now for Vacherot. Rinderknech goes for serve and volley, but doesn’t put the volley away and Vacherot screeches into the backhand winner crosscourt.
Three break points: Rinderknech saves the first two, but then Vacherot finds a stunning angle on the backhand crosscourt to pass Rinderknech!
Incredible! Rinderknech looked on top but that was quality from Vacherot! He breaks to lead.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 Rinderknech*
11:13 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot was back onto court first, with Rinderknech returning after a 10-minute delay.
There was only one break in it in the first set and second set. Fine margins will decide this final.
Vacherot looks the fresher, and has already come from a set down five times this week - including twice in qualifying.
Rinderknech will serve first, as he did in the first set.
Vacherot 4-6 6-3 Rinderknech*
11:10 , Jamie BraidwoodBoth players have headed off court for a toilet break. Presumably, for an entire kit change as well.
SECOND SET! Vacherot 4-6 6-3 Rinderknech*
11:03 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is sizzling nicely now! This unique Shanghai final will head into a deciding set as Vacherot stays alive.
The 26-year-old backs up the break by whipping a forehand winner down the line. He then drags Rinderknech along the baseline, looking in full control.
Rinderknech nets and Vacherot pumps his fist!
*Vacherot 4-6 5-3 Rinderknech
11:00 , Jamie BraidwoodDown game point, Vacherot jumps into a huge forehand return that catches the line, and he sets up another break point with another aggressive approach on deuce.
There’s the break! Vacherot roars as he flashes the backhand winner down the line! Vacherot fights back and will serve for the second set!
What a moment.
Vacherot 4-6 4-3 Rinderknech*
10:57 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot lands a lovely backhand winner down the line. Rinderknech follows it up with an ace out wide. Not for the first time, Vacherot looks a little frustrated.
But Vacherot will have a look at his first break point of the final as Rinderknech knifes at a drop shot, which trickles out. Rinderknech roars as he slams an ace out wide to save!
Vacherot 4-6 4-3 Rinderknech*
10:52 , Jamie BraidwoodA chance for Rinderknech, but he can’t take it! On 30-30, Rinderknech springs into a series of forehands and jumps forward, but can’t put away the volley.
Vacherot comes through the game to hold as Rinderknech nets on the forehand. He edges ahead once more.
*Vacherot 4-6 3-3 Rinderknech
10:48 , Jamie BraidwoodClassy from Rinderknech as he sent Vacherot out wide on the serve and then tucked up the backhand drop shot to win the point. The Frenchman then explodes into the forehand winner down the line.
Vacherot launches into a forehand return crosscourt that catches the line. But Rinderknech closes it out superbly with the second-serve down the middle, followed by an excellent backhand snapped at a sharp angle onto the line.
Very good.
Vacherot 4-6 3-2 Rinderknech*
10:43 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech’s return floats long and another game is ticked off. We’ve raced through five games in 17 minutes, without too many rallies at all. Both players are sure to be exhausted, though, after their efforts in the heat and humidity this week in Shanghai.
*Vacherot 4-6 2-2 Rinderknech
10:39 , Jamie BraidwoodQuite an ugly forehand return from Vacherot that sails long of the baseline, against the second serve as well.
Rinderknech takes a quick sip of Coke between games.
Vacherot 4-6 2-1 Rinderknech*
10:35 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot rattles through a love-hold of his own. There have been some entertaining rallies between the cousins but the serve is on top at the moment.
*Vacherot 4-6 1-1 Rinderknech
10:33 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech is looking so strong on serve. Vacherot has barely had a look. He thumps another lovely wide serve for an ace. He is able to disguise the middle serve and wide serve so effortlessly.
Vacherot 4-6 1-0 Rinderknech*
10:31 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot will know that a poor game was the difference in the first set - where he made four unforced errors to concede the break early in the opener.
He shakes his fist after holding serve at the start of the season, holding off Rinderknech, who launched into a backhand return winner.
FIRST SET! *Vacherot 4-6 Rinderknech
10:24 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech has looked smooth so far and is in control of this final as he takes the opening set.
The Frenchman has controlled the net extremely well early on and moves 30-0 up as he puts away the volley.
Vacherot makes errors on the return and Rinderknech fires the wide serve for an ace to take the set!
He pumps his fist and skips back to his seat. The older cousin strikes first.
Vacherot 4-5 Rinderknech*
10:20 , Jamie BraidwoodSteady hold from Vacherot, with Rinderknech firing long. Over to the Frenchman to close out the first set.
*Vacherot 3-5 Rinderknech
10:17 , Jamie BraidwoodThere’s no doubt that the cousins Vacherot and Rinderknech are throwing everything they have into this! Vacherot makes a couple of big returns, grunting after the ball to push Rinderknech onto the back foot on serve.
But a backhand return at 15-30 goes long, and a backhand with Rinderknech pushing forward slams into the net. Rinderknech cries out “come on” as he finds the body serve and Vacherot nets.
Good hold from the Frenchman and he moves one game away from the set.
Vacherot 3-4 Rinderknech*
10:12 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech blasts his through Vacherot as his cousin comes into the net. The qualifier is having to battle here to get through service games, but finds the way. He takes an aggressive approach again as he comes into the net, with Rinderknech pushed wide on the backhand down the line. He pumps his fist.
Rinderknech will have new balls as he comes out to serve.
*Vacherot 2-4 Rinderknech
10:09 , Jamie BraidwoodAn error from Rinderknech as he thumps the overhead long of the baseline. Vacherot moves to 40-0 with a one-two punch on serve and forehand winner.
Rinderknech, though, is asking the questions on return. He scorches a forehand winner and then a slice from Rinderknech spins away from Vacherot.
It’s followed by a double-fault. We go to deuce.
*Vacherot 2-4 Rinderknech
10:04 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech produces a lovely backhand crosscourt winner, finding the angle. He follows it with another big serve out wide. Another love-hold on the board for the 30-year-old Frenchman.
Vacherot 2-3 Rinderknech*
10:02 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot has played many matches in Shanghai this week with his shirt, drenched in sweat, sticking to his large frame. It’s already soaked through in the heat.
He holds with little fuss, though. Rinderknech missed a volley at the net and Vacherot closed it out on serve. Both players have large fans positioned behind them at the changeovers to cool down.
*Vacherot 1-3 Rinderknech
09:58 , Jamie BraidwoodWonderful point as Vacherot and Rinderknech push hard to find the angles, but the Frenchman produces the forehand crosscourt to pass Vacherot at the net.
Rinderknech finds a beauty of a serve down the middle to take the hold. The older cousin has started well.
BREAK! Vacherot 1-2 Rinderknech*
09:52 , Jamie BraidwoodSome tension now from the racket of Vacherot. A forehand finds the net and the second flies long of the baseline. Two break points for Rinderknech. The Frenchman moves well as Vacherot goes aggressive down 15-40 and hangs up a backhand lob.
Vacherot nets on the overhead!
*Vacherot 1-1 Rinderknech
09:50 , Jamie BraidwoodRinderknech holds with an ace out wide. Rinderknech and Vacherot are both tall with large frames. This could be a serve-dominant final, but Vacherot can move too as he gets up to a short ball from Rinderknech to put away the backhand pass.
Rinderknech closes with the serve-and-volley and then the ace.
Vacherot 1-0 Rinderknech*
09:46 , Jamie BraidwoodVacherot makes a very confident start on serve, swarming the net to close out a scrambling opening point and putting away a forehand winner crosscourt to hold to love.
And there is an A-lister watching on. Roger Federer is in the stands!
*Vacherot 0-0 Rinderknech
09:43 , Jamie BraidwoodBoth Vacherot and Rinderknech have watched each other’s matches from the stands in Shanghai this week. Now, they face each other across the net in a historic final.
Vacherot won the toss and will serve first!
*denotes next server
Vacherot v Rinderknech
09:36 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! Unique scenes in Shanghai as Rinderknech and Vacherot walk out onto the court in Shanghai and embrace at the net ahead of the start of the Masters final.
Shanghai Masters final: What's at stake
09:33 , Jamie Braidwood- Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech meet in the Shanghai Masters final, with both players attempting to win their first ever ATP Tour title
- Vacherot, 26, can become the first Monegasque player to win an ATP Tour title. He is the lowest-ranked finalist in series history, after starting the week at World No 204, and could shoot up to 40th in the world if he wins today.
- Rinderknech, 30, is also through to his first ATP Masters final. He can return to French No 1 with a win, and become the first Frenchman to win a ATP Masters title since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2014. Rinderknech would jump to World No 22 if he wins the title.
Watch: Vacherot and Rinderknech warm up before cousins showdown
09:19 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s not often that you would see two ATP Masters finalists warming up together, but then again this is not an ordinary final.
Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech were practicing together this afternoon ahead of the Shanghai final!
Things you don’t see before every final: the finalists practicing together…
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 12, 2025
Then again, not every final is between two cousins 😆#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/OpZXk0tXwb
The two cousins making history: ‘The whole family is following’
09:09 , Lawrence OstlereFirst cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot have broken new ground in China by reaching the Shanghai Masters final and will face each other in the game of their lives.
Read more on a remarkable story:
The two cousins making Shanghai Masters history: ‘The whole family is following’
Watch: Vacherot and Rinderknech hug after final confirmed
08:59 , Lawrence OstlereThis is the beautiful moment when the two cousins embraced on court after Rinderknech’s win confirmed their improbable meeting in today’s final:
Family 👬 Teammates 🫶 Now Masters 1000 Final opponents
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2025
You really couldn't have believed it at the start of the week #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/d1EU6OTr1R
In pictures: Rinderknech knocks out Medvedev
08:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rinderknech: 'No one person in our family dreamt about it'
08:33 , Lawrence Ostlere“I can’t even say it’s a dream because I don’t think even one person in our family dreamt about it,” Rinderknech said.
“We started believing it in the quarters, maybe. Now we are here, we fought through so many matches and somehow we are both guys standing at the end.”
Rinderknech sees off Medvedev to set up family final
08:22 , Lawrence OstlereRinderknech was next on court against Daniil Medvedev. Vacherot signed a camera with “allez Arthur” as he departed, before the French 30-year-old triumphed over his Russian opponent 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
In pictures: Vacherot beats injured Djokovic to reach final
08:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
Djokovic: 'The better player won'
07:57 , Lawrence OstlereThe 38-year-old Djokovic was slowed throughout the match by a sore hip. He took a medical timeout after falling behind 4-3 in the opening set. He won only one point in the next two games.
But the four-time tournament champion did not make an excuse of his physical struggles.
"It's all about him," Djokovic said. "I wish him all the best in the final, and the better player won today.
"Going from qualifications, it's an amazing story," the 24-time Grand Slam champion added. "I told him at the net that he's had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good, and his game was amazing as well."
Vacherot: 'Is this real?'
07:44 , Lawrence OstlereVacherot, of Monaco, was an alternate in qualifying but is having a career week, which included a quarterfinal win over Holger Rune.
"Is this real? I don't know," the 26-year-old Vacherot said moments after defeating Djokovic. "To have Novak on the other side of the court was, first of all, an unbelievable experience for me."
Vacherot v Rinderknech – Shanghai Masters final
07:35 , Lawrence OstlereTwo cousins will meet in the final of the Shanghai Masters after qualifier Valentin Vacherot stunned a hobbled Novak Djokovic and relative Arthur Rinderknech fought back to beat Daniil Medvedev on Saturday.
The 204th-ranked Vacherot earned the biggest win of his career by downing Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 and becoming the lowest-ranked finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history, the ATP said.
While Djokovic was aiming to add to his 100 career titles, the 26-year-old Vacherot will go for number one — against his cousin and fellow Texas A&M alum.
A couple of hours after beating Djokovic, Vacherot walked back onto the court and hugged Rinderknech to help celebrate his cousin's 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 comeback win over Medvedev and relish the rare moment. Sunday's final will be the first time the cousins have played each other on the ATP circuit.
Vacherot v Rinderknech – Shanghai Masters final
Saturday 11 October 2025 20:13 , Lawrence OstlereHello and welcome along to live updates of an extraordinary Shanghai Masters final between cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech – that’s not something we thought we’d be writing at the start of the week, but here we are.
