Family feud for the final: Cousins Vacherot and Rinderknech write unprecedented Masters 1000 history

An incredible story continues to be written at this Shanghai Masters, with two surprises among the tournament's semifinalists. The most important event of the Asian Swing now enters its semifinal phase, led by two former champions: Novak Djokovic (2012, ’13, ’15, ’18) and Daniil Medvedev (2019).

Two unexpected names appear as the challengers this time: Monegasque Valentin Vacherot (No. 204), who will face the Serbian star, and Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech (No. 54), who will challenge Medvedev. Curiously, both tournament surprises have something else in common besides their notable campaign in Shanghai: they are cousins.

Both players have pulled off surprise after surprise in the tournament. Vacherot, who came through qualifying, has 7 straight wins, defeating rivals like Alexander Bublik (14th) and Holger Rune (10th) along the way. This is the first time he has qualified for a Masters 1000 draw on his own merit (he had three previous appearances in Monte-Carlo via wildcard), and he is now in his first semifinals. He has secured his best ranking, moving from outside the Top 200 up to No. 92.

Rinderknech is another who has taken out high-profile names on the Tour, including Alexander Zverev (3rd), Jiří Lehecka (15th), and Félix Auger-Aliassime (12th). The 30-year-old Frenchman has already advanced 17 positions in the rankings and secured his historic best ranking as World No. 37.

Vacherot's story is perhaps the most surprising, considering he is a player who had never entered the Top 100 and has almost no experience in major tournaments, having spent most of his career playing Challenger events. In fact, with his ranking outside the Top 200, he wasn't even on the initial list of qualifiers.

“I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying,” Vacherot said after defeating Rune in the quarterfinals. “This is just unbelievable for me. I’m just so happy and living the dream.”

While 24-year-old Vacherot caused a surprise in the bottom half of the draw, his 30-year-old cousin, Rinderknech, achieved another great campaign that adds to several deep runs in recent months. "Our family's WhatsApp group? It's on fire right now (laughs). And it's because everyone is living the little dream that Val and I are experiencing. I just try to enjoy every moment."

Rinderknech totals 11 wins in his last 13 appearances and reached the Round of 16 at the US Open and the Cincinnati Open, though Shanghai marks his first Masters 1000 semifinal. “I followed my cousin,” Rinderknech said, pointing towards Vacherot. “He was going through the emotions on Thursday and I am trying to follow and battle and do the same as him. The whole family is following from home. We are in our own little world here. It has been incredible.”

“It’s been incredible since the beginning of the week. The whole family is following from home. We are in our little world here of our own. It’s been unreal. Today is a good performance for myself. Happy to get the win. Two sets so I cannot be too tired for tomorrow, that’s great.”