Rinderknech and the final with his cousin Vacherot: "We will talk about this moment when we are two 80-year-old elders"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 13 Oct 2025 | 00.30

Rinderknech and the final with his cousin Vacherot: "We will talk about this moment when we are two 80-year-old seniors." Photo: Gettyimages.

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Arthur Rinderknech took the other side of a beautiful story. While all cameras were focused on his cousin Valentin Vacherot after being crowned the champion of the ATP Shanghai, the Frenchman cried on his bench, aware of the missed golden opportunity.

Nevertheless, Arthur Rinderkech also secured an ATP Shanghai to remember. Overcoming opponents like Jiri Lehecka, Alexander Zverev, or Daniil Medvedev. In fact, the effort to reach the final took its toll, and at the beginning of the third set, he ran out of energy, just when Valentin Vacherot also started playing his best tennis. The Frenchman may not take the title, but he leaves China with his best ATP ranking (28th) and with good sensations that began five months ago when he started working with Lucas Pouille.

Regarding his partnership with the former French tennis player, the physical limit he reached, but, above all, the pride of seeing his cousin, Valentin Vacherot, win the Shanghai title, he spoke during the post-final press conference of the ATP Shanghai.

This is what Arthur Rinderknech said after losing to Vacherot in the 2025 ATP Shanghai final

"Physically, I am exhausted, I cannot deny it. The preparation for the final was not the best. I think I fell asleep around 3:30, so the night was short. The match against Medvedev in the semifinals left me drained; he is an opponent that makes you work very hard for each point."

"But it wasn't because of that that I lost: Valentin was extraordinary. I am very proud of him, of what he did, of everything he showed this week. The little star that shone above us shone a little brighter by his side tonight. I am happy for him, for Benjamin Balleret, for his parents, my aunt, and the whole family. That's what matters most."

Happy and exhausted after his two weeks of great tennis in Shanghai

"These have been two exceptional weeks. I defeated so many very strong players, one after another. Today, I probably lacked a bit of freshness. Valentin played on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, while I played on Friday, where I put a lot of energy, on Saturday, finishing very late, and then on Sunday. I played so many matches in a very short time frame, not to mention that the hot and humid conditions put tremendous strain on our bodies."

Lucas Pouille, the main reason for his recovery

"I am extremely proud of my two weeks and the finalist trophy, of my loved ones who support me, of my team, with Lucas Pouille, my coach, in the lead. He believes in me, he pushed me. I hope this is the beginning of a great adventure, and that we go far together: I started working with him just five months ago, at a difficult time when I was even considering retiring. In a sense, he saved me; his confidence was a turning point."

Very emotional witnessing his cousin's victory, close since childhood

"Something like this will not happen again, never in history. Not only in this century, but in history itself. What happened cannot happen again. It's magnificent, exceptional. We will talk about this moment sitting on a bench when we are 80 years old. I've always dragged him along since we were kids. In the snow, I'd drag him. On his bike, I'd drag him. In tennis, I'd drag him. I always pushed him, I made him come to Texas. I encouraged him during the two years we spent together there, when he arrived, like I had done before, in the middle of nowhere. When I arrived, I was alone. When he arrived, I was there. I took care of him."

"I always wanted the best for him. He is a guy who deserves it. I love him with all my heart, I have always loved him. I am extremely proud. I told him at the net that he was fabulous. I have tremendous respect for him, and now I will have even more. I was not surprised; I knew what he was capable of. But he has no right to tease me about this victory!" concluded a satisfied Arthur Rinderknech with his tennis at ATP Shanghai, and very proud of his cousin's victory, Valentin Vacherot.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rinderknech y la final con su primo Vacherot: "Hablaremos de este momento cuando seamos dos ancianos de 80 años"