Valentin Vacherot received a hero’s welcome at Nice airport after becoming the first Monegasque player to win an ATP Tour singles title, defeating top-ranked opponents in a historic Shanghai run.
A Historic Breakthrough in Shanghai
Valentin Vacherot stunned the tennis world by capturing the Rolex Shanghai Masters, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since the series began in 1990. Ranked No. 204, the 26-year-old entered the tournament through the qualifiers and went on a dream run, defeating a string of higher-ranked players including Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik, and Tallon Griekspoor.
His most remarkable victories came in the final rounds, where he ousted world No. 11 Holger Rune in the semifinals and then triumphed over his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in the final. The win marked not only his first ATP title but also a historic moment for Monaco, as no player from the principality had ever claimed a tour-level singles trophy before.
The Emotional Return to Nice
Upon his return to France, Vacherot was greeted by a crowd of Monegasque fans at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Flags waved and chants echoed through the arrivals hall as supporters celebrated the unexpected champion. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to honor a player who had brought pride to their small nation on the global stage.
A Journey of Perseverance
Vacherot’s rise has been anything but conventional. Without the backing of major sponsors or wildcards, he fought his way through the qualifying rounds in Shanghai. His resilience and calm under pressure became defining traits of his campaign.
“I just kept believing in myself, match after match,” Vacherot said. “It’s been a long road, but this week everything came together.”
Defeating a Legend
One of the most talked-about moments of the tournament was Vacherot’s semifinal victory over Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, was widely expected to cruise through the draw. Instead, he was outplayed by the unheralded Monegasque in a match that showcased Vacherot’s fearless baseline play and tactical maturity.
“Beating Novak was surreal,” Vacherot admitted. “He’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole life.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Vacherot is projected to break into the ATP Top 100 for the first time in his career. The win not only boosts his ranking but also secures him direct entry into upcoming major tournaments, including the Australian Open.
As he begins this new chapter, the tennis world will be watching closely to see whether this Shanghai triumph marks the start of a sustained rise. For now, though, Vacherot is enjoying the moment—and the embrace of a proud Monegasque community.
Valentin Vacherot in 2025
Now ranked no.40 (career-high), Valentin played his last match on the 12th of October when he defeated world no.28 Arthur Rinderknech 4-6 6-3 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 1st career title.
This season Valentin has managed to achieve a compiled 42-22 match record. This year, the Monegasque clinched 1 title in Shanghai. The Monegasque was the runner-up in the Francavilla Challenger.
He is also scheduled to play in Athens (Hellenic Championship). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.