Home / Sports / Unranked Underdog Shocks Tennis World, Wins Prestigious Shanghai Masters

Unranked Underdog Shocks Tennis World, Wins Prestigious Shanghai Masters

Summary

  • Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th, wins first career ATP title
  • Defeats cousin Arthur Rinderknech in Shanghai Masters final
  • Stuns 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in semifinals
Unranked Underdog Shocks Tennis World, Wins Prestigious Shanghai Masters

On October 12th, 2025, the tennis world witnessed a historic upset as Valentin Vacherot, a 26-year-old player ranked 204th in the world, clinched the prestigious Shanghai Masters title. Vacherot's remarkable journey began in the qualifying rounds and culminated in a thrilling final against his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.

Vacherot's path to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. In the semifinals, he stunned 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, setting up a final showdown with Rinderknech, who had earlier defeated 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev. The final proved to be a closely contested affair, with Vacherot rallying from a set down to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over his cousin.

Vacherot's serving masterclass in the decisive third set, with three straight love holds and 15 consecutive points, proved to be the difference-maker. Rinderknech fought valiantly to stay in the match, but Vacherot's blistering forehand winners ultimately sealed the victory for the unheralded Monegasque player.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.
Valentin Vacherot, a 26-year-old player ranked 204th in the world, won the Shanghai Masters in 2025.
Vacherot's victory was historic, as he became the lowest-ranked player to ever win an ATP Masters 1000 event.
Vacherot's victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals was a major upset that set the stage for his eventual championship win.

Read more news on