Big Surprise in Shanghai Masters History: ‘The Whole Family Is Following’

The 2025 Shanghai Masters has delivered one of the most heartwarming and unexpected stories of the tennis season as cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot both advanced to the semi-finals, marking a historic milestone for their family and for the tournament itself.

In a dramatic twist few saw coming, 30-year-old Rinderknech reached his first-ever ATP Masters semi-final, while 26-year-old Vacherot stunned the tennis world with a sensational run from alternate in qualifying to the final four. Their emotional reactions, mirrored celebrations, and unwavering support for each other have transformed this year’s Shanghai Masters into a family affair unlike any before.

Cousins Rewrite History With Parallel Runs

Valentin Vacherot’s breakthrough has been the biggest shock of the tournament. Ranked outside the world’s top 200 and unsure if he would even compete, the Monegasque player entered the qualifying draw as an alternate after several late withdrawals. What followed was a dream run — seven consecutive victories, including four over seeded opponents like Holger Rune, Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, and Tallon Griekspoor.

Vacherot’s dramatic three-set win over World No. 11 Rune made him the second-lowest ranked player in history to reach a Masters semi-final and the first-ever player representing Monaco to achieve that feat. “I didn’t come as a qualifier — I came as an alternate,” Vacherot said after his victory. “I wasn’t even sure I’d get in. This is just unbelievable for me. I’m living the dream.”

Rinderknech, inspired by his younger cousin’s heroics, followed suit with a powerful quarter-final win over US Open semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime. His run included a major victory over World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, building on his impressive first-round win against Zverev at Wimbledon earlier this year. With seven wins against top-20 players since June — matching his career total before this season — Rinderknech is now set to rise to a career-best ranking of No. 37.

A Family Affair: Shared Journey Fuels Success

The story goes beyond their on-court achievements. Rinderknech and Vacherot are more than just two players enjoying breakout moments — they’re cousins with a shared tennis journey. Both attended Texas A&M University and were teammates from 2016 to 2018, forming a bond that’s now fueling their biggest career moments.

“I followed my cousin,” Rinderknech said. “He went through the emotions on Thursday, and I tried to do the same. The whole family is following from home. We’re in our own little world here.”

Their unique bond was on full display in Shanghai. After each victory, they pointed toward each other’s seats in the stands — a celebratory gesture that quickly went viral. Vacherot was courtside when Rinderknech sealed his place in the final four, while Rinderknech was in the stands cheering as Vacherot collapsed to his knees following his win over Rune.

Global Reaction and What’s Next

The cousins’ story has captivated tennis fans around the world and drawn praise from legends of the sport. Novak Djokovic, who will face Vacherot in the semi-finals, called the story “amazing” and “inspiring.” Djokovic also noted his familiarity with Vacherot’s coach and half-brother Benjamin Balleret, himself a former ATP player who peaked at No. 204.

For Monaco, Vacherot’s success represents a historic breakthrough, proving that elite tennis talent can emerge from unexpected places. For Rinderknech, his resurgence after 30 highlights the value of perseverance and long-term dedication in professional sport.

The dream scenario — a family showdown in Sunday’s final — remains possible if both cousins win their semi-final matches. Regardless of the outcome, the Shanghai Masters 2025 will be remembered for this extraordinary chapter: a family story that has turned into one of the sport’s most memorable surprises.

Big surprise in Shanghai Masters history: two cousins who grew up playing together are now rewriting the record books side by side, proving that family ties can lead to tennis glory on the sport’s biggest stages.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who are Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot?

They are cousins and professional tennis players. Rinderknech plays for France, while Vacherot represents Monaco. Both reached the 2025 Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

Q2: Why is their achievement historic?

It’s the first time cousins have reached the semi-finals of the same ATP Masters event. Vacherot is also the first Monegasque player ever to reach this stage.

Q3: Who did Valentin Vacherot defeat to reach the semi-finals?

He beat Holger Rune, Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, and Tallon Griekspoor on his way to the final four.

Q4: What ranking milestone will Vacherot achieve?

He will enter the ATP top 100 for the first time in his career after the tournament.

Q5: Could the cousins meet in the final?

Yes, if both win their semi-final matches, they will face each other in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.