Valentin Vacherot reveals details about his historic victory at the Shanghai Masters.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Starting the tournament as an unknown, Valentin Vacherot astonished the world by defeating top players and his cousin Arthur Rinderknech to win the 2025 Shanghai Masters.

Valentin Vacherot made history in the ATP Masters 1000 by becoming the champion of the 2025 Shanghai Masters on the afternoon of October 12th. This is the first title of the career for the 26-year-old from Monaco, and also makes him the lowest-ranked player in history to win a Masters 1000 tournament (ranked 204th in the world ).

Vacherot's journey to the title was impressive, as he overcame big names like Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac and Tallon Griekspoo, Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic, before defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final.

Vacherot caused the biggest upset in ATP Master 1000 history (Photo: Getty).

After becoming the Shanghai Masters champion, Vacherot spoke with ATPTour.com to share the significance of this historic victory, his journey, and his plans for the future.

What did winning your first ATP Tour title mean to you?

- I kept thinking my first title might be an ATP 250, but surprisingly, my first title was at a Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai, on my first trip to China, my first time in Shanghai. I think this country will hold the most important place in my heart and will mean so much to me.

Would you like to express your gratitude to those who have been with you throughout your life and career, those who have helped you achieve this success?

- So many people. First, my parents. I learned to play tennis thanks to them. When I was discharged from the hospital, when I was just a few days old, they put me out on the court and played. My brother and my coach Benjamin, who has taken care of me since I graduated from university in 2021. Ballert, Benjamin's father, not my father, taught me to play tennis from the age of 10 to 18. The men are from the Monaco Tennis Federation.

I also want to thank Arthur Rinderknech. He attended Texas A&M and I never considered transferring, but I believed he would improve there. As everyone can see, we have both improved a great deal. It's truly wonderful to be here today with him.

This is a significant milestone in his career. How will he celebrate this victory?

- I don't know either. I'm eager to get home. It will be a great moment for everyone. I'll see my friends, family, and parents as soon as possible. The season isn't over yet; I still have a lot to do. When everything is finished, I'll celebrate with my friends.

This is the first time he and Rinderknech have faced each other since the 2018 Futures tournament. Compare the final in Shanghai to the match seven years ago.

- Rinderknech started his career in 2018. The Futures tournament was one of his first ITF tournaments after graduating from university, while I was still in university. I wanted to train, so I went to a few ITF tournaments and ended up playing against him in the quarterfinals. It was a lot of fun.

We never knew that the next time we'd play would be here. I was wondering a little bit, looking at the rankings, when would it be the first time we'd compete against each other. Then our family would have a good laugh and some great moments. Reaching the final of a Masters 1000 tournament is amazing.

What is Vacherot like on and off the court?

- Off the court, I'm very calm and down-to-earth. I'm not the kind of person you'd hear much in the room, because I'm not a talkative person. That small side of me helped me a lot in crucial moments on the court this week. On the court, I'm quite active, putting all my energy into training and competing.

Besides tennis, what is your biggest passion? Please share your hobbies.

- I really enjoy sitting on the sofa watching Netflix. I also play video games and I'm a huge sports fan. I like watching football, and I like watching tennis if some of my favorite athletes or my friends are playing. Football or Formula 1, I watch all the great moments. I'll go to the beach for a bit, or take a walk with my girlfriend.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/valentin-vacherot-bat-mi-ve-chien-thang-lich-su-tai-thuong-hai-masters-20251013025225041.htm