A rare family moment unfolded at the Rolex Shanghai Masters as cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot shared an emotional hug following their semi-final wins. Both will contest their debut Masters 1000 final on Sunday, marking a unique milestone in tennis history.
An Unforgettable Moment Between Cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot
Rinderknech entered Saturday’s semi-final against Daniil Medvedev in confident form, having already secured notable wins over Alex Michelsen, Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime. After dropping the first set 4-6, Rinderknech rallied to claim the next two 6-2, 6-4, showcasing his powerful groundstrokes and unwavering focus under pressure.
The 30-year-old Frenchman became the ninth French player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final and recorded his seventh top-20 win since June, matching the total he had accumulated in his entire career prior to this season.
In the earlier semi-final, world No. 204 Vacherot delivered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4. The Monegasque qualifier grew into the match after Djokovic broke first, responding with precision drop shots and consistent depth to break back immediately.
Vacherot maintained 78% first-serve success and capitalized on Djokovic’s physical struggles, including two medical timeouts for lower-back treatment, to become the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history.
Their paths to the semi-finals were equally remarkable. Rinderknech navigated a draw packed with top seeds, battling through long rallies and adapting tactics against each opponent. Meanwhile, Vacherot entered as an alternate in qualifying, winning eight matches on Chinese soil and upsetting five seeded players in succession, including Holger Rune and Djokovic, to reach his first ATP Tour final. He also made history as the first player representing Monaco to contest an ATP Tour final in the Open Era.
When Medvedev’s double fault sealed Rinderknech’s victory late Saturday, Vacherot – who had just watched his cousin from the stands – rushed onto court. The cousins embraced in a heartfelt celebration, heads pressed together and smiles beaming under the arena lights. Their gesture underscored years of shared practice sessions and mutual support on the tour. This image of family unity will be remembered alongside their on-court achievements.
One of the most beautiful things you’ll see all year.
Valentin Vacherot is the first to step on court & congratulate Arthur Rinderknech as he joins him in the Shanghai final.
Two cousins reaching their 1st Masters 1000 final together.
Family goals. 🥹
pic.twitter.com/hhSO5szjBx— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 11, 2025
On Sunday, they will duel not only for a title but to etch their names in tennis history as the first cousins to contest a Masters 1000 final together.
