Shanghai Masters final: World number 204 Valentin Vacherot beats cousin Arthur Rinderknech
World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot upset his cousin Arthur Rinderknech to win his first ATP title at the Shanghai Masters.
Monaco’s Vacherot came back from a set down and fought against the world number 54 with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, becoming the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champion since the series started in 1990.
The 26-year-old has prize money of £824,000; This is more than double Vacherot’s previous career earnings of £380,000.
He sealed the success with a searing forehand down the line and embraced Rinderknech at the net before running off the court towards one of the benches to celebrate with his coach and family.
Vacherot then continued the winner’s tradition of writing a message to one of the courtside cameras that read, “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”
Both players had difficulty holding back their tears during their speeches on the field after the match.
“What just happened is unreal. I have no idea what’s happening right now. I’m not even dreaming, it’s just crazy,” Vacherot said.
“There has to be a loser, but I think there are two winners today. The winner is a family, and I think in terms of the sport of tennis, this story is unreal.”
French Rinderknech added: “Valentin, you gave everything. I’m so happy for you. Two cousins are stronger than one.”
