Rinderknech: "We have the Whatsapp group on fire, I just try to follow my cousin"

Carlos Navarro | 10 Oct 2025 | 11.47

Rinderknech, great protagonist in Shanghai. Source: Getty

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Arthur Rinderknech continues to leave his mark on a Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where he is part of an unprecedented family story. Alongside his cousin and practically brother due to their closeness, the Monegasque Valentin Vacherot, they defeat giants along the way in the pursuit of a common goal: reaching the final of a major tournament where everything stays within the family.

With the family closely watching the screen in the early hours of Monaco, his cousin's presence as a talisman, and the reassurance that Vacherot himself is leading the way, this is how Arthur Rinderknech describes his stay at an ATP Shanghai 2025 where he has already reached the semifinals, earning a ticket to the top 40, the highest ranking of his career. After overpowering a previously unstoppable Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Frenchman's press conference not only conveys a sense of joy and almost disbelief at what he is achieving but also a hint of ambition, a feeling that he still has more to give in a tournament he will always remember.

Rinderknech spoke about his bond with Vacherot and revealed the curious reason he plays so calmly in Shanghai

- An assessment after a historic victory that allows him to join his cousin, Vacherot, in the Shanghai semifinals

"It's incredible, the story continues, it's a story that's still alive. It's incredible. I guess I was so stressed out watching his match yesterday that I couldn't get nervous at any moment today (smiles). I'm not used to watching someone and wishing so strongly for them to win their match, so today it was easier for me to be on court and control my emotions. I get so stressed watching his matches that when it's my turn, I suppose I'm completely relaxed. Joking aside, I try to focus on what I have to do, on the instructions my coach gives me at home... and so far, everything is working perfectly. I just want to keep it up and go point by point."

- The family, absolutely thrilled

"Our family's WhatsApp group? It's on fire right now (laughs). And it's because everyone is living the little dream that Val and I are experiencing. I just try to enjoy every moment."

- In a small bubble where they keep advancing

"The emotions are impressive. First of all, I must say that I'm just following my cousin. He's the one experiencing all these emotions, and I'm just trying to do as well as him. The week is amazing for all of us; we have the whole family watching from home, even though we are in our bubble, in our little world here. What we are experiencing is unreal, impressive. Today I played at a high level, won in straight sets, which allows me not to be too tired for tomorrow... the tournament continues, full steam ahead."

- Did you expect a result like this here, in Shanghai?

"No, I just try to focus on my thing with my team; they are the ones who help me every day. Most of them are at home, but we keep working through the phone. It was just a matter of continuing to do what I have to do and waiting for the results to come over time. That's all I think about."

- A constant evolution in this 2025 that has propelled him into the top 40, how would you describe your progress?

"I don't know. I tried to change a couple of things; I also changed my team, made some adjustments, and worked on different aspects. Also, the things that were already there, the old ones, help. There are changes in mentality too; we tried to improve everything, and I'm happy that so far it's working. I don't focus on the ranking; it's something that personally I don't care about: I just focus on my tennis; that's all that matters."

- China brings out the best version of Rinderknech

"The tournament is fabulous. China, the people of China, I've been talking about it with my friend practically every day... the passion that exists here. It's so enjoyable to be in an environment with people who have such a passion for tennis. We, as tennis players, share that passion that you, the Chinese, have for tennis. Every day I sign photos of myself that I had never seen before, and each one is better than the last. It's great to be here, and I can assure you this will be one of the best memories of my career. My work is not done yet. From now on, we will always look forward to this part of the season, yes."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rinderknech: "Tenemos el grupo de Whatsapp ardiendo, yo solo intento seguir a mi primo"

Arthur Rinderknech