In a stunning upset, Valentin Vacherot, the unheralded 26-year-old from the tiny Principality of Monaco, claimed the Shanghai Masters title, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in a thrilling three-set match. Vacherot's victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the lowest-ranked tournament winner in ATP Masters 1000 history, and the first champion from his country.
The road to victory was not without challenges. Vacherot's journey began in the qualifying rounds, where he showcased his resilience and skill. In the semifinals, he pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the legendary Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion. This set the stage for an intriguing final against Rinderknech, who had previously bested the 2021 US Open champion, Daniil Medvedev.
The final match was a display of exceptional tennis. Vacherot's serving prowess was on full display in the third set, as he secured three straight love holds and 15 consecutive points before finally losing a point in the eighth game due to an unforced error. Despite Rinderknech's valiant efforts, including saving a match point, Vacherot's blistering forehand winners proved decisive.
The emotional aftermath of the match was heartwarming. Vacherot, overcome with joy, embraced his cousin at the net, sharing a long hug with his coach, Benjamin Balleret, a former tennis player from Monaco. Balleret's own career highlight was a memorable defeat to tennis great Roger Federer in the early rounds of the Monte Carlo Masters in 2006.
The crowd in Shanghai witnessed a historic moment as Federer watched Rinderknech secure the first set with an ace. Vacherot's early break in the deciding set and Rinderknech's subsequent medical timeout for back and shoulder treatment added to the drama. Despite the setbacks, Vacherot's victory remains a testament to his talent and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the tennis world.
