Two cousins are writing a fairy tale at the 2025 Shanghai Masters.

12/10/2025 07:28:00 pandatv

The final match of the 2025 ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters will be a clash between two cousins who have created a major upset: Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot.

When Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev both reached the semifinals of the 2025 ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters, many expected Nole and Meddy to battle it out for the prestigious trophy in Shanghai. However, the two cousins, Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot, had a different plan.

Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, took full advantage of the noticeable decline in physical condition to cause a big upset. The representative from the Principality of Monaco defeated Nole in just two sets, achieving many "firsts" and memorable milestones.

Hai anh em họ viết nên 720547 — Almost missing the chance to participate in the Shanghai Masters 2025 qualifiers due to his low ranking, Valentin Vacherot surprised everyone again and again.

This will be Vacherot's first ATP Tour final in his career—mainly competing at the Challenger Tour level in recent years. He is also the lowest-ranked player ever to reach a Masters 1000 final and will surely become a monument in Monaco tennis history, regardless of the final outcome.

Vacherot also earned nearly $600,000 in prize money by reaching the final in Shanghai. This amount exceeds what he had won in all tournaments before the Shanghai Masters this year.

For Arthur Rinderknech, despite having a more distinguished career than his cousin, the Shanghai Masters final remains the greatest achievement of his career. To reach this fairy-tale final alongside Vacherot, "King Arthur" defeated several top players: Alexander Zverev, Jiri Lehecka, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and most recently Daniil Medvedev.

The Frenchman is also aiming for his first ATP Tour title after missing out earlier in Adelaide, Australia, in early 2022, losing to Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Hai anh em họ viết nên câu chuyện cổ tích ở Thượng Hải Masters 2025 720548 — Arthur Rinderknech has shown significant improvement over the past year, and his ticket to the 2025 Shanghai Masters final is a well-deserved reward for his efforts.

It is very rare for two cousins to face each other in a Tour final, and the way both are pursuing the prestigious title in Shanghai has amazed and impressed many. These two lesser-known players have brought fresh excitement to the tennis world, especially as Alcaraz and Sinner have been dominating tournaments throughout 2025.

Rinderknech and Vacherot share similar playing styles: they use their height advantage to deliver powerful serves and forehands. "King Arthur" has more match experience, but "Valva" is also soaring with highly convincing performances. A tough, extended battle across many games and sets could very well unfold to decide the new Shanghai Masters champion.

The match between Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot will take place at 15:30 today, October 12, Vietnam time.

Related articles