Valentin Vacherot made history at the 2025 Shanghai Masters by becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP Masters 1000 title, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in a dramatic all-family final.
A historic breakthrough in Shanghai
Ranked No. 204 in the world, Valentin Vacherot stunned the tennis world by lifting the trophy at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. His victory over Arthur Rinderknech, ranked No. 54, came after a gritty comeback: 4–6, 6–3, 6–3. Vacherot, who entered the tournament as an alternate, became the first player from Monaco to win an ATP singles title and the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion since the series began in 1990.
“It’s a fairytale,” said his coach and half-brother Benjamin Balleret after the final.
The path to the final
Vacherot’s run was nothing short of extraordinary. After qualifying through last-minute withdrawals, he defeated Nicholas Basavareddy and Liam Draxl in the early rounds, then shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semifinals. His win over Djokovic marked him as the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history.
After winnin the title he become the lowest-ranked winner in Masters 1000 history surpassing Borna Coric (No. 152 in Cincinnati 2022), Francisco Clavet Carretero (No. 143 in Hamburg 1996), Mikael Pernfors (No. 95 in Montreal 1993), and Alexei Popyrin (No. 62 in Montreal 2024).
A family final never seen before
The final was historic not only for Vacherot’s ranking but also for its emotional backdrop. Facing his cousin and former college teammate, Arthur Rinderknech, the match was a celebration of shared roots and competitive spirit. The two embraced warmly before and after the match, highlighting a rare moment of family unity on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
What it means for Vacherot
With this win, Vacherot will enter the ATP Top 40 for the first time in his career. His victory sends a strong message to the tennis world about perseverance, preparation, and the unpredictability of sport. From alternate to champion, his Shanghai run will be remembered as one of the most improbable and inspiring in recent memory.
Valentin Vacherot in 2025
Now the world no.204, Vacherot played his last match on the 12th of October when he defeated world no.54 Arthur Rinderknech 4-6 6-3 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 1st ATP Title.
Currently, during this year the Monegasque has a compiled 42-22 record. This year, Valentin clinched 1 title in Shanghai. Valentin reached the final in the Francavilla Challenger.