In a remarkable display of determination and skill, Valentin Vacherot, ranked world number 204, clinched his first ATP Tour title at the 2025 Shanghai Masters. The 26-year-old Monegasque player defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final by 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Interestingly, even on his way to the final, Vacherot defeated the likes of Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and even the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic.

His journey from qualifier to champion in Shanghai captivated tennis enthusiasts worldwide. However, Vacherot’s victory not only marked a personal milestone but also significantly boosted his financial standing. Entering the tournament, Vacherot had earned $594,077 for his career. But now, for winning the title in Shanghai, he has now taken home a staggering $1,124,380 in prize money. What a run! What a moment for this youngster!

Valentin Vacherot’s triumph is now also etched in tennis history for multiple reasons.

• Since the format’s introduction in 1990, Vacherot (204) has now also become the lowest-ranked player to win an ATP Masters 1000 event, surpassing Borna Ćorić’s (152) historic triumph at the 2022 Cincinnati Open.
• Since 1990, Valentin Vacherot is now also the second player to claim 4+ wins from a set down en route to an ATP Masters 1000 (including retirements), after Tommy Haas (at the 2001 Stuttgart Open).
• But that’s not all! Since 1990, Vacherot is the fifth player to win a maiden ATP-level title at an ATP Masters 1000 event.
• He is now also the third qualifier (since 1990) to win an ATP Masters 1000 event.

This was truly a fairytale run for Valentin Vacherot! Do you know that Vacherot was outside the qualifying cutoff when the entry list was released but then moved into the draw after arriving in Shanghai thanks to withdrawals?

With this incredible win, he has now also climbed 164 spots to number 40 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and is set to crack the Top 100 and Top 50 for the first time in his career. What did he say after this title triumph, though?

Valentin Vacherot shares his thoughts about his incredible title triumph in Shanghai

Valentin Vacherot’s victory at the 2025 Shanghai Masters is a testament to his resilience and skill. His historic win has not only elevated his career but also brought pride to Monaco, marking a significant moment in tennis history.

While sharing his thoughts about the victory, he said, “It is unreal what just happened. 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 are two winners today, one family that won. And I think for the sport of tennis, the story is unreal.”

Do you know that Vacherot’s meeting with Rinderknech was just the third all-unseeded Masters 1000 final in series history? It was a fortnight to remember and one that will take time to truly process. Speaking more about what this victory means to him, Vacherot said that he thought that his first title could be an ATP 250, but to do it at a Masters 1000 here in Shanghai, it now means the world to him.

Valentin Vacherot earned 1,020 points in this competition for winning the title as a qualifier. This helped him secure a spot inside the Top 50. Reacting to this massive jump in his current rankings, Vacherot said, “[I am] 40? Wonderful. I still had the little goal before coming here to be Top 100 before the end of the season. I knew that it was going to take so much, because we know how hard it is to even win one Challenger. So I knew that if I wanted to be Top 100 before the end of the season, I had to win a few.” Little did he know that he would make it this far with this title triumph in Shanghai. What are your thoughts on his incredible performance in this tournament, though?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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Edited by

Shrabana Sengupta