(Video) Arthur Rinderknech Embraces Cousin Valentin Vacherot After Securing Final Against him in Shanghai

A rare family moment lit up the Rolex Shanghai Masters as cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot shared an emotional embrace after both won their semi-finals. The two will now face each other in Sunday’s Masters 1000 final — their first at this level — creating a moment unlike any other in tennis history.

As soon as Rinderknech sealed his victory over Daniil Medvedev, Vacherot rushed from the stands to greet him. The cousins hugged tightly, smiling through tears under the bright lights. It was more than a celebration — it was the culmination of shared dreams, long practice sessions, and years of mutual encouragement. Their embrace captured the rare mix of family and competition that tennis so seldom sees.

One of the most beautiful things you’ll see all year.

Valentin Vacherot is the first to step on court & congratulate Arthur Rinderknech as he joins him in the Shanghai final.

Two cousins reaching their 1st Masters 1000 final together.

Family goals. 🥹
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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 11, 2025

Rinderknech’s road to the final was filled with grit and composure. After losing the first set 4-6 to Medvedev, he stormed back to take the next two 6-2, 6-4. The 30-year-old Frenchman showed precision and power, defeating Alex Michelsen, Alexander Zverev, and Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier in the week. His win made him the ninth Frenchman to reach a Masters 1000 final and continued a remarkable run of top-20 victories this season.

Vacherot’s path was even more surprising. Ranked No. 204, the Monegasque qualifier stunned Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the other semi-final. His sharp drop shots and strong serving exposed Djokovic’s physical struggles, including two medical timeouts.

Entering the event as an alternate, Vacherot won eight matches in China and became the first player from Monaco to reach an ATP final in the Open Era. On Sunday, the cousins will meet not just as rivals, but as family making tennis history.

Arthur Rinderknech ready for the ‘dream’ Shanghai Final

“The Dream Undreamable.” That was how Arthur Rinderknech described the incredible story unfolding at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The 30-year-old Frenchman helped create a historic moment by setting up a final against his cousin, qualifier Valentin Vacherot. Earlier in the day, Vacherot had advanced by defeating an injured Novak Djokovic in a stunning upset.

Rinderknech said in his post-match press conference:

Even in the biggest dream we couldn’t have dreamt about this. So it’s a dream that couldn’t even exist at the beginning. I don’t even know where it comes from, how it happened. I guess we must have done some good thing to the people around us, to deserve to experience something like this, because it’s incredible, yes.

Rinderknech also produced a remarkable win of his own, overcoming former champion Daniil Medvedev. After losing the first set 4-6, he fought back to win 6-2, 6-4. The match ended dramatically when Medvedev double-faulted on match point, sending Rinderknech to the ground in disbelief. His determination and composure under pressure carried him through.

Throughout the battle, Rinderknech saved 10 of 11 break points and stayed focused despite early setbacks. His motivation came from knowing his cousin was already waiting in the final, making the moment even more special. The sense of family pride drove him to push beyond his limits.

After sealing victory, Rinderknech was greeted on court by Vacherot in an emotional embrace. Regardless of who wins on Sunday, both cousins have already achieved something unforgettable — turning what once seemed like an impossible dream into a shared reality on one of tennis’s biggest stages.

Valentin Vacherot shares admiration for Roger Federer after making Shanghai final

Valentin Vacherot expressed his admiration for Roger Federer before his biggest career moment. He mentioned that his girlfriend had met the Swiss legend several times, but he had never had the chance to meet him in person. For Vacherot, Federer remains one of his biggest inspirations both on and off the court.

Since retiring in 2022, Federer has returned to Shanghai on multiple occasions to play exhibition matches. His presence continues to inspire young players, and Vacherot is among those who grew up watching and learning from his style. The Swiss star’s influence remains strong in the city where he has long been celebrated.

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On Saturday evening, Vacherot earned his own place in Shanghai’s tennis history. The world No. 204 qualifier defeated four-time champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, overcoming the Serbian, who was visibly struggling with injury. The win made him the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final.

With this victory, Vacherot also became the first player from Monaco to secure a win over a Top 10 opponent. His stunning performance is set to push him inside the Top 60 of the rankings.

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