Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot practiced together before facing off in the Shanghai final, creating one of the most unique moments in ATP history. The cousins will meet in their first Masters 1000 final, turning a family bond into a competitive showdown.

A family affair on the biggest stage

The Rolex Shanghai Masters witnessed a rare and emotional twist as cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot both reached the final of an ATP Masters 1000 event. After defeating Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic respectively, the two embraced on court, celebrating not just their victories but a shared journey that began years ago.

Practicing together before the final

In a scene almost unheard of in professional tennis, Rinderknech and Vacherot were spotted practicing together the morning before their final. The moment captured the essence of their relationship: competitive yet deeply rooted in family and friendship.

Vacherot’s improbable run

Ranked No. 204 in the world, Valentin Vacherot entered the tournament as an alternate and stunned the tennis world by defeating Djokovic in straight sets. His run to the final marks one of the most unexpected breakthroughs of the season.

Rinderknech’s steady rise

Arthur Rinderknech, ranked 54th, has been building momentum throughout 2025. His win over Medvedev in a grueling three-set match sealed his place in the final and confirmed his status as one of France’s top players.

A final unlike any other

As they prepare to face each other for the title, the cousins have already made history. Their story is a reminder of the human side of sport—where family, friendship, and competition can coexist on the grandest stages.

ATP Shanghai - Arthur Rinderknech's projected path

Rinderknech in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently the world no.54, Arthur owns a 31-31 win-loss record in 2025. Rinderknech is playing at the moment in Shanghai where he ousted the world no.65 Hamad Medjedovic 6-7(3) 1-0 ret.

, the world no.34 Alex Michelsen 6-3 6-4, the world no.3 Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-2, the world no.19 Jiri Lehecka 6-3 7-6(5), the world no.13 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-4 and the world no.18 Daniil Medvedev 4-6 6-2 6-4.

Arthur Rinderknech will play the world no.117 Dino Prizmic in the . In the past, they have never competed against each other as of now in top events.

ATP Shanghai - Valentin Vacherot's projected path

Vacherot in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025

Ranked world no.204, the Monegasque has managed to achieve a 41-22 win-loss record in 2025. Vacherot is currently playing in Shanghai where he overcame the world no.113 Nishesh Basavareddy 6-7(7) 6-4 6-2, the world no.119 Liam Draxl 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4, the world no.82 Laslo Djere 6-3 6-4, the world no.17 Alexander Bublik 3-6 6-3 6-4, the world no.23 Tomas Machac 6-0 3-1 ret., the world no.31 Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(1) 6-4, the world no.11 Holger Rune 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 and the world no.5 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4.

Valentin Vacherot will square off with the world no.54 Arthur Rinderknech in the final on Sunday at 4:30 pm on STADIUM COURT. Their current record is 1-0 for Rinderknech.

The Monegasque reached the final in the Francavilla Challenger.

Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot fought against each other only once. Their actual record is 1-0 for Rinderknech.