Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech will face each other in the second round of the Paris Masters, just weeks after their emotional showdown in the Shanghai final. Both players received wildcards into the Paris draw following their surprise runs in China and landed in the same section, setting up a rare all-cousin rematch on home soil.
Rinderknech advanced with a tight 7-6, 7-6 win over Fabian Maroszan, while Vacherot stunned 14th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-1, 6-3 to book his place in the next round.
Vacherot’s historic breakthrough
Vacherot made headlines earlier this month by becoming the lowest-ranked player in history to win a Masters 1000 title. Ranked 204th at the time, the 26-year-old from Monaco came through qualifying and defeated top players including Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic to lift the Shanghai trophy. His victory earned him a career-high ranking of No. 40 and a surge of attention heading into Paris.
Rinderknech’s rise continues
Rinderknech, 30, also enjoyed a career-best run in Shanghai, reaching his first Masters final after defeating World No. 3 Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev. His performance propelled him to a new high of No. 27 in the ATP rankings. The Paris Masters offers him another opportunity to solidify his place among the tour’s top players.
Emotional ties and future challenges
Their Shanghai final ended with a heartfelt embrace, as both cousins reflected on their journey from childhood matches to competing on the sport’s biggest stages. The winner of their Paris clash could face World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the third round, adding further weight to an already compelling encounter.
Vacherot is making his main-draw debut in Paris, while Rinderknech will look to build on his momentum in front of a home crowd. Their rematch promises not only high-quality tennis but also a continuation of one of the season’s most touching storylines.
ATP Paris - Arthur Rinderknech's projected path
Rinderknech in Paris, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked world no.29, Arthur owns a 32-32 record in 2025. The French player is participating in Paris where he conquered the world no.48 Fabian Marozsan 7-6(5) 7-6(4).
Arthur Rinderknech will play the world no.118 Dino Prizmic in the . They have never competed against each other till now in top competitions.
The French player was the finalist in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters).
He is also scheduled to play in Metz (Moselle Open). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.
ATP Paris - Valentin Vacherot's projected path
Vacherot in Paris, ranking, and results in 2025
Now the world no.40, Valentin has a compiled 43-23 win-loss record in 2025. The Monegasque is participating in Paris where he managed to beat the world no.18 Jiri Lehecka 6-1 6-3.
Valentin Vacherot will take on the world no.29 Arthur Rinderknech in the 2nd round. Their record is 1-1.
Valentin clinched 1 title in 2025 in Shanghai. Valentin was the finalist in the Francavilla Challenger.
He is also scheduled to play in Athens (Hellenic Championship). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.
Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot clashed against each other just twice. Their current record is 1-1.