The dream run is complete for Valentin Vacherot.
Ranked No. 204 in the world, Vacherot capped off his run to the Rolex Shanghai Masters title in storybook fashion on Sunday evening. The 26-year-old knocked off none other than first cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 after two hours and 14 minutes.
Vacherot faced only one break point in the entire match, which Rinderknech converted at 1-1 in the opening set. The Monaco native dominated on serve the rest of the way; in fact, he dropped only two service points in the third set.
Bookend breaks in the first and ninth games of the decider were more than enough for Vacherot to get across the finish line. He capitalized on his second championship point with a clean forehand passing shot.
“It is unreal what just happened,” Vacherot assured. “I have no idea what is happening right now. I am not even dreaming–it is just crazy. I am just so happy with my performances the past two weeks. I just want to thank everyone who has helped with my career since the beginning. There has to be one loser but I think there is two winners today. One family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, the story is unreal.”
Vacherot is the lowest-ranked champion in Masters 1000 history. He was already the lowest-ranked finalist. He will soar to 40th in the world on Monday, while Rinderknech will climb to No. 28 and will be seeded for his home Masters 1000 event at the end of the year in Paris.
nice one, VV
I read Rinderknech fell off the stage needed treatment