Arthur Rinderknech fell off the stage during the 2025 Shanghai Masters final after suffering from cramp, prompting his cousin and opponent Valentin Vacherot to plead for help. The incident occurred after Vacherot defeated Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
Runner-up collapses during trophy ceremony
Rinderknech veered off stage following the match and crouched near the back of the court before falling. Commentator Nick Lester speculated that "cramp maybe crept into Rinderknech's body." Vacherot initially appeared slow to react but then called out: "I think we need some help please!"
Organisers quickly provided a chair for Rinderknech so he could listen to the rest of Vacherot's speech. Both players were in tears as Vacherot thanked his girlfriend and his half-brother and coach, Benjamin.
Emotional tributes and rankings impact
Rinderknech paid tribute to his cousin, saying: "Two cousins are better than one." Vacherot, who entered the tournament at No. 204 in the world, became the lowest-ranked player to win a Masters 1000 event. He also collapsed in the sweltering conditions at last year's Cincinnati Open.
The cousins later teamed up to reach the doubles final at Indian Wells this year, but settled for silver after a straight-sets defeat to Manuel Guinard and Guido Andreozzi.
Withdrawal and ranking changes
Rinderknech was scheduled to compete in the singles of the 2026 Shanghai Open but withdrew and was replaced by Aleksandar Kovacevic, who bowed out to Matteo Berrettini in the opening round. Vacherot's triumph in Shanghai last year helped him rise to 14th in the ATP rankings, but he will drop to 32nd after failing to defend the crown.
Rinderknech is also due to fall in the ATP rankings after pulling out in Shanghai, dropping from 33rd to No. 63. He has said he hopes to be back for the Paris Masters later this autumn.
