Valentin Vacherot completed one of the most remarkable fairytales in tennis history, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 title. The World No 204 from Monaco defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Vacherot had only narrowly entered the qualifying draw as the second-lowest ranked direct entrant, according to The Independent, after needing a wave of late injury withdrawals to secure his place as the 9th alternate. His triumph makes him the third qualifier to win a Masters 1000 title in the format's 35-year history and the first Monegasque player to win any ATP title.
"It's unreal what just happened," said Vacherot. "I have no idea what is happening. It's just crazy. I'm just so happy about my performance these past few weeks."
Family rivalry reaches historic heights
The unique family dimension made this final unprecedented in professional tennis. Rinderknech and Vacherot, whose mothers are sisters, grew up together and both attended Texas A&M University as teammates for two and a half years between 2016 and 2018.
The 30-year-old Rinderknech, ranked No 54, had convinced Vacherot to compete for the Texas A&M Aggies before both turned professional. They have played doubles together numerous occasions and warmed up with each other on Shanghai's stadium court on Sunday morning before their final showdown.
The cousins had faced each other only once before professionally - Rinderknech beat Vacherot in a lowly ITF event in 2018, earning roughly $400. The stakes could not have been more different this time, with Vacherot earning $1,124,380 in prize money, according to The Guardian, more than double his entire career earnings.
Emotional comeback seals historic victory
Rinderknech appeared to be in control after taking the opening set, but Vacherot gradually found his rhythm behind his powerful first serve. The decisive moment came when Vacherot broke serve in the second set with a searing backhand down-the-line winner, roaring in delight as he seized momentum.
By 2-0 in the final set, Vacherot had won five consecutive games and was in full flow. He conceded just three points on his serve in the final set, closing out his ninth victory in two magical weeks with some of his finest tennis.
After sealing victory with a down-the-line forehand passing shot, both cousins shared an emotional embrace at the net. Vacherot then climbed into his player box to hug his coach and brother Benjamin Ballarat, with tears beginning to fall.
Career transformations for both players
The victory represents a life-changing moment for both cousins. The Independent reports that Rinderknech had considered retirement just five months ago, describing himself as "below the floor" with his results before this breakthrough tournament run.
According to The Mirror, Rinderknech will rise to a career-best No 37 ranking following his runner-up finish, while Vacherot will rocket into the top 40. The emotional toll was evident as Rinderknech rolled off the podium in pain from cramps during Vacherot's victory speech.
"Two cousins are stronger than one," said Rinderknech, addressing his relative in French. "You won today, congratulations. I gave it my all. I'm so happy for you, I hope there will be more. I love you so much."
Throughout the tournament, both players used their post-match camera signatures to encourage each other. After his victory, Vacherot had only one message: "Grandpa and grandma would be proud."
Sources used: "The Guardian", "The Independent", "The Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
