Arthur Rinderknech Cousin Valentin Vacherot Stuns Novak Djokovic to Set Up All-Family Shanghai Masters Final

World No. 204 Valentin Vacherot delivered one of the shocks of the tennis season by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals. The Monegasque underdog will now face his cousin, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, in a remarkable all-family final on Sunday.

The result marks the biggest win of Vacherot’s career and caps a fairytale run in China. Having entered the tournament as an alternate after missing six months of the season through injury, the 26-year-old has defeated multiple higher-ranked players to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final.

Valentin Vacherot’s Stunning Run to the Shanghai Masters Final

Few expected Valentin Vacherot to still be standing in the tournament’s final weekend. Ranked outside the world’s top 200 and without a tour-level title, the Monegasque player arrived in Shanghai without even knowing if he would get into the qualifiers. His story quickly turned into the headline of the event.

After upsetting 10th seed Holger Rune in a dramatic quarter-final comeback 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, Vacherot faced the ultimate test: Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, a four-time Shanghai champion, entered the match as the overwhelming favorite. Yet, in just one hour and 40 minutes, Vacherot dominated with fearless baseline play and relentless energy.

Djokovic, who had described himself as “just trying to stay alive” in the brutal Shanghai heat after his quarter-final win, appeared physically compromised and required treatment during the match. Still, he showed sportsmanship in defeat, telling Vacherot at the net: “You deserve it, you played unbelievable. Keep it going.”

“This is just crazy,” Vacherot told TennisTV. “To be on the other side of the court from Novak is already an unbelievable experience. I’ve got so much to learn from this match, from him, and even from myself. It was an hour and 40 of pure joy.”

The victory makes Vacherot the second-lowest-ranked player ever to reach the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 tournament — and now, the lowest-ranked to contest a final in more than a decade. With this result alone, he is projected to surge into the top 100 for the first time in his career.

Family Affair: Arthur Rinderknech Awaits in Historic All-Cousin Final

Awaiting Vacherot in Sunday’s final is none other than his older cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, who booked his spot by defeating world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. The 30-year-old Frenchman is enjoying the best season of his career and is expected to break into the top 30 following this run.

“I was stressing so much during his match,” Rinderknech admitted after his semi-final victory. “I’m not used to watching someone and wanting them to win so badly. The whole family is following from home. It’s been incredible, it’s been unreal.”

Despite their close bond — the cousins have supported each other throughout the week, cheering from the stands — both know Sunday’s final will be fiercely contested. The winner will claim the biggest title of their life, and both stand to achieve career-defining ranking jumps.

“I signed the camera with ‘allez Arthur’ after my match,” Vacherot said with a smile. “We’ve both been living something special this week. Whatever happens tomorrow, it’s a dream final.”

What This Means for Tennis

The Shanghai Masters final will mark a rare moment in professional tennis: two family members facing off for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. It is also a celebration of perseverance — Vacherot’s journey from injury and uncertainty to the brink of Masters glory is already one of the stories of the 2025 season.

Djokovic’s defeat, meanwhile, highlights the physical toll of a long season and the emergence of new faces ready to challenge the established order. For both Vacherot and Rinderknech, Sunday represents not just a trophy opportunity, but a chance to announce themselves on the biggest stage.

Whether the trophy goes to Monaco or France, Sunday’s Shanghai final will be a historic milestone — and one that cements the rise of Arthur Rinderknech and his cousin Valentin Vacherot as names to watch in 2025 and beyond.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Arthur Rinderknech’s cousin?

Arthur Rinderknech’s cousin is Valentin Vacherot, a 26-year-old tennis player from Monaco who shocked Novak Djokovic to reach the Shanghai Masters final.

Q2: How did Valentin Vacherot reach the final?

Vacherot entered as an alternate and beat 10th seed Holger Rune in the quarters before defeating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-finals.

Q3: Who will Valentin Vacherot face in the Shanghai Masters final?

Vacherot will face his cousin Arthur Rinderknech, who defeated Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final.

Q4: What are the ranking implications for both players?

Rinderknech is expected to enter the top 30 for the first time, while Vacherot will break into the top 100 following his Shanghai run.

Q5: How did Novak Djokovic react to his loss?

Djokovic congratulated Vacherot at the net, saying he deserved the win and played unbelievably well despite the tough conditions.