Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev may be the headliners at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, but their semifinal opponents, cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech, have stolen the spotlight with their remarkable and intertwined journeys.
Who Are the Cousins Challenging Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev at the Shanghai Masters?
While Djokovic and Medvedev are established giants in men’s tennis, their semifinal challengers have followed far humbler paths to Shanghai glory. Rinderknech, a 30-year-old from France, and Vacherot, a 26-year-old from Monaco, share blood and history.
The cousins played side by side for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2016 through early 2018, occasionally teaming up in doubles matches. Their bond, first forged on American college courts, has now carried them to one of the sport’s grandest stages. For the first time in their careers, they are simultaneously in the semifinals of an ATP Masters 1000 event.
What Challenges Did Vacherot and Rinderknech Overcome on Their Way to the Semifinals?
Entering the tournament ranked World No. 204, Vacherot has surged into the Top 100, projected to rise to a career-best No. 92 following his semifinal breakthrough. After qualifying with wins over Nishesh Basavareddy and Liam Draxl, he defeated Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4 in the main draw.
He then rallied past 14th seed Alexander Bublik 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, advanced via a retirement from Tomáš Macháč, and survived a three-set thriller against 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor, winning 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4.
In his biggest triumph yet, Vacherot upset 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a quarterfinal battle that lasted nearly three hours. Rinderknech was spotted cheering enthusiastically from the stands as his cousin became the first player from Monaco to ever reach an ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.
— . (@user_991827) October 11, 2025
Rinderknech’s own run has been equally impressive. Starting the week ranked No. 54, the Frenchman began his campaign with a first-round walkover against Hamad Medjedovic before taking down 28th seed Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4. He then stunned World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the third round, rallying 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, followed by a strong 6-3, 7-6(5) win over 15th seed Jiri Lehecka to reach his maiden Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
After that victory, he left a lighthearted message on the camera lens, writing “I follow you, Val!” to celebrate his cousin’s concurrent success. Rinderknech continued his run with a 6-3, 6-4 win over 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime to book his spot in the semifinals, where he now faces Daniil Medvedev for the second time.
— . (@user_991827) October 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Djokovic has extended his legendary consistency by defeating Zizou Bergs in straight sets to reach his 10th Shanghai Masters semifinal. The four-time Shanghai champion also marked his 80th career semifinal at the Masters 1000 level, becoming the oldest player to reach that milestone.
