Valentin Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player to win a Masters 1000 title, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final. The 26-year-old, ranked 204th in the world, entered the qualifying draw as the second-lowest ranked direct entrant after several late injury withdrawals. He is the third qualifier to win a Masters 1000 in the 35-year history of the format and the first Monégasque to claim any ATP title.
Vacherot's run included victories over Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune, but the final against his cousin added an emotional dimension. The two grew up together, and Rinderknech, ranked 54th, had encouraged Vacherot to play for the Texas A&M Aggies college team before turning professional. They warmed up together on Sunday morning before facing off in the biggest match of their careers.
After dropping the first set, Vacherot found his rhythm behind his first serve and broke decisively in the second set with a backhand down-the-line winner. He won five consecutive games from 2-0 down in the final set, conceding just three points on his serve in the decider. He sealed the win with a forehand passing shot, then embraced Rinderknech at the net.
During the trophy ceremony, both cousins broke down in tears. Rinderknech, suffering from cramps, rolled off the podium mid-speech but told Vacherot in French: 'Two cousins are stronger than one. You won today, congratulations. I love you so much.' Vacherot wrote on the camera lens: 'Grandpa and grandma would be proud.' He earned £823,000, more than double his previous career earnings.
