World No 204 Valentin Vacherot has become 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 Monégasque, who entered the qualifying draw as the second-lowest ranked direct entrant, is only the third qualifier to win a Masters 1000 in the format's 35-year history.
Vacherot's fairytale run included wins over Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune. Rinderknech, ranked No 54, had convinced Vacherot to join the Texas A&M Aggies college team before turning professional. The cousins, whose mothers are sisters, grew up together and have played doubles on numerous occasions.
After Rinderknech took the first set, Vacherot found his rhythm behind his first serve and seized the decisive break in the second set with a backhand down-the-line winner. He then won five consecutive games to lead 2-0 in the final set, conceding just three points on his serve in the decider. Vacherot sealed victory with a forehand passing shot, earning $1,124,380 – more than double his career earnings.
In an emotional post-match ceremony, both cousins broke down in tears. Vacherot wrote on the camera lens: 'Grandpa and grandma would be proud.' Rinderknech, struggling with cramps, told his cousin in French: 'Two cousins are stronger than one. You won today, congratulations. I love you so much.'
