“I just wanted the first set to be over”: Valentin Vacherot opens up after emotional win over cousin Rinderknech

There’s no such thing as an easy match when family is on the other side of the net. For Valentin Vacherot, the Paris Masters second-round clash against his cousin Arthur Rinderknech was more than just another victory — it was a test of composure and emotion. After losing a tense first-set tiebreak, the Monegasque player regrouped brilliantly to take control and advance, showing once again why his rise on the ATP Tour is no fluke.

Facing Rinderknech so soon after their Shanghai Masters final was no ordinary task. “I just wanted the first set to be over — winning or losing it,” Vacherot admitted, reflecting on the nerves that came from both sides. The tension was visible, but the turning point came when he decided to let go and play freely in the second set. “I didn’t even get mad about losing the first,” he said. “I’m really happy with how I reacted early in the second.”

The 25-year-old explained that knowing his opponent so well made the match even trickier. “I felt like he was reading me,” he said with a laugh. “When I went for certain shots, I knew he was waiting for me there.” Constant adjustments were needed as both cousins tried to outthink one another. “He changed his serve patterns from Shanghai, so I had to adapt as well,” Vacherot added. “It wasn’t easy, but I managed it in the end.”

What stood out most, though, was his calm perspective on playing at this new level. After spending most of the season on the Challenger circuit, Vacherot has made a seamless transition to the ATP’s elite stages. “At the end of the day, it’s still a tennis match,” he said. “Whether it’s in a Challenger or a Masters 1000, the court is the same size. What helps me is that I’m having so much fun — this is all new to me, and I love it.”

Vacherot’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Just a year ago, he was sidelined with an injury after reaching a career-high ranking of No. 110. “It was awful,” he confessed. “I had just played the best tennis of my life, then suddenly I was out for six months, lost all my points, and fell back to 250.” Those dark months tested his belief, but he credits his girlfriend for keeping him grounded. “She was always positive, even when I was losing faith,” he said. “Just hearing her encouragement helped a lot.”

The turnaround has been remarkable. Since returning to full fitness, Vacherot has climbed over 200 spots in the rankings and collected some of the biggest wins of his career. His performances in Shanghai and now again at this Masters event have established him as one of the tour’s breakout stories of 2025. Yet, despite the growing attention, the Monaco native insists he feels no extra pressure — only joy. “I think I play better now because I’m enjoying it all,” he said.

After a whirlwind few weeks, Vacherot admits he hasn’t had time to breathe. “I only had five days at home after Shanghai before heading to Basel,” he explained. “Being at tournaments keeps me in my little bubble, which I like. But I’ll have some time soon for pre-season — to rest, train, and get ready for 2026.” That balance between excitement and calm has defined his approach, keeping him grounded even as expectations grow.

Next up for the rising star is a round-of-16 clash with Cameron Norrie, who recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thriller. It’s a challenge Vacherot is embracing. “I know Cam well — we’ve trained together a few times in Monaco,” he said. “Lefties don’t bother me too much, but he’s such an experienced player. It’ll be a great test.” With confidence and perspective on his side, Vacherot’s steady climb looks far from over.