Vacherot, the strongest cousin, makes history in Shanghai

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Seeing is believing. Two weeks ago, who would have told Valentin Vacherot that as he arrived in Shanghai still uncertain if he could participate in the qualifying rounds, he would secure his first ATP title in a Masters 1000 against his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in a three-set final (4-6, 6-3, 6-3). For many, it was considered impossible, even for Vacherot himself, but tennis is a sport where anything is possible.

After a rollercoaster ATP Shanghai full of surprises and disappointments, it all came down to a family affair. Cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot faced each other for the first time on the ATP Tour in the first Masters 1000 final for both players. With Roger Federer as a distinguished spectator, the Frenchman and the Monegasque stepped onto the central court of ATP Shanghai on a day they will never forget.

How Valentin Vacherot clinched the Shanghai Masters 1000 title

The level at which Vacherot entered the final was a result of the confidence he had built throughout the tournament, defeating five consecutive seeded players (Bublik, Machac, Grieskpoor, Rune, and Djokovic). However, Rinderknech's tennis prowess was equally impressive. After reaching the US Open quarterfinals, he arrived in Shanghai and eliminated players like Jiri Lehecka, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev. Thus, parity was present in this final showdown.

Rinderknech strikes first

It was the Frenchman who seized the initiative first, breaking to lead 3-1 in a final where nerves were left in the locker room. Nonetheless, the Monegasque appeared slightly rushed, making more errors, yet showing courage to avoid falling behind in the first set.

Nevertheless, Rinderknech remained composed, choosing his shots wisely and using the net as an escape route. Everything was going his way; his serve was impeccable, denying any break points, and with this control, he claimed the first set (6-4).

Vacherot withstands and takes the final to a third set

The Frenchman had a chance to seal the final with a 0-30 advantage in the first game of the second set, but Vacherot halted the momentum, preventing the breakthrough. In this second set, the match became tighter with fewer exchanges as both players held their serves comfortably.

Until the eighth game, with Vacherot at 4-3, he obtained his first break point that could have forced a decisive third set, but a 219 km/h ace foiled his plans. Nevertheless, the Monegasque persisted, recognizing his opportunity, executing a magnificent cross-court backhand to reach 5-3, eventually taking the second set (6-3) and setting up the decisive third set.

For the sixth time in Shanghai, Vacherot rallied from a set down, finding his stride. Overcoming the setback of the first set, holding firm in the second, and going all out in the third, he even broke Rinderknech's service in the first game, solidifying his path to victory.

Vachertot boldly pursues the Shanghai title

Especially because Rinderknech faded away completely, the parity of the second set and the failure to seize the final weighed heavily on his gameplay and mindset. The feeling of surrender grew, particularly when faced with a 0-2, 0-40 deficit. However, he persevered, saving three break points to maintain tension in the final.

The revival did not unsettle Vacherot, who stayed focused. Strong on serve, aggressive with his forehand, and lethal with his backhand, while Rinderkenech, who had defended vigorously in the second set, now found himself fending off four break points, refusing to yield even as fatigue set in, prompting a request for a physiotherapist to tend to his back.

Despite the resistance, Vacherot did not relinquish control and, with unwavering determination, withstood the pressure to make history, clinching his first ATP title (4-6, 6-3, 6-3), a Masters 1000, against his cousin Arthur Rinderknech. Although Rinderknech fought to the end, he couldn't capitalize on his opportunities. Valentin Vacherot is the new champion of ATP Shanghai 2025. A player ranked 204th in the world arriving has now ascended to number 40. This, ladies and gentlemen, is tennis.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vacherot, el primo más fuerte, hace historia en Shanghái