Home / Sports / Family Affair at Shanghai Masters as Qualifier Vacherot Beats Cousin Rinderknech
Family Affair at Shanghai Masters as Qualifier Vacherot Beats Cousin Rinderknech
12 Oct, 2025
Summary
- World No. 204 Vacherot beats cousin Rinderknech (World No. 54) in Shanghai Masters final
- Vacherot is the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 finalist in history
- All-family final is one of the tournament's unlikeliest endings
In a remarkable turn of events, world number 204 Valentin Vacherot emerged victorious at the Shanghai Masters on October 12, 2025, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech, who was ranked 54th in the world. Vacherot, a qualifier, made history as the lowest-ranked player to ever reach a Masters 1000 final, in what his coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, described as a "fairytale" ending.
The all-family final between the two Frenchmen was one of the most unlikely conclusions to the prestigious tournament. Rinderknech, the elder cousin, initially took the lead by breaking Vacherot in the third game of the first set. However, Vacherot fought back, forcing a decider after winning the second set.
The third set saw Vacherot take control, breaking his cousin multiple times to seal the victory. Rinderknech, seemingly fatigued by the humidity, struggled to save break points and ultimately succumbed to Vacherot's relentless play. The 26-year-old Vacherot's triumph left him and the crowd in disbelief, as he doubled over in celebration of his unexpected triumph.
