Valentin Vacherot reveals historic victory at Shanghai Masters

Valentin Vacherot made ATP Masters 1000 history when he became the champion of the Shanghai Masters 2025 on the afternoon of October 12. This is the first title in the career of the 26-year-old player from Monaco, and at the same time makes him the lowest-ranked player in history to win a Masters 1000 tournament ( world ranking 204).

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

Valentin Vacherot bật mí về chiến thắng lịch sử tại Thượng Hải Masters - 1 — Vacherot created the biggest shock in ATP Master 1000 history (Photo: Getty).

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

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

- I thought my first title would be at the ATP 250, but surprisingly I won my first title at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, my first time in China, my first time in Shanghai. I think this country will hold the most important place in my heart and will mean a lot to me.

Would you like to thank the people who have accompanied you in life and career, the people who helped you achieve this?

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

I also want to thank Arthur Rinderknech. He went to Texas A&M and I never considered transferring, but I trusted him to go there and improve. As you can see, we have improved a lot. It is truly a miracle to be here today with him.

This is a major milestone in your career. How will you celebrate this victory?

- I don't know. I can't wait to go home. It's going to be a great time 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 of work to do. When it's all over, I'll celebrate with my friends.

This is the first time you and Rinderknech have faced each other since the 2018 Futures. Compare the final in Shanghai with the match 7 years ago.

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

Little did we know that the next time we would play would be here. I was wondering a little bit when I looked at the rankings, when would be the first time we would play together. We would have a great laugh as a family and have a great time. To be in the final at the Masters 1000 final was amazing.

What is Vacherot like on the field and off?

- Off the court, I'm very calm, down-to-earth. I'm not someone people will hear a lot in the room because I'm not a talkative person. It's that small side of me that has helped me a lot in the big moments on the court this week. On the court, I'm quite active, putting all my energy into training and playing.

Outside of tennis, what is your biggest passion? Please tell us about your hobbies.

- I really like to sit on the sofa watching Netflix. I also play video games and I am a big sports fan. I like to watch football, I like to watch tennis if there are some of my favorite athletes playing or my friends. Football or F1, I watch great moments. I will go to the beach a little, go for 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