Shanghai Masters: Cousins Set for Historic Final Showdown
Cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot make history with wins over Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic, setting up an all-family final in the Shanghai Masters.
“It was a dream that came out of nowhere...”
Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech will face off in the Shanghai Masters final after pulling off stunning upsets in the semi-finals. Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, while Rinderknech beat Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
This family showdown marks a historic moment in tennis, with Vacherot and Rinderknech set to make history as the first cousins to meet in an ATP Masters 1000 final. Vacherot's win over Djokovic was particularly impressive, as he troubled the Serbian with drop shots and punishing rallies.
The match up we didn't know we needed 🤩
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2025
Arthur Rinderknech defeats Daniil Medvedev 4-6 6-2 6-4 to book a spot in the final against his cousin Vacherot 🤝#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/SdHyLeZl9e
Later that day, Arthur Rinderknech stunned former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and setting up a historic final with his cousin Valentin Vacherot.
“I can't even say it's a dream because I don't think even one person in our family dreamt about it,” Rinderknech said about facing his cousin in Sunday's final.
“It was a dream that came out of nowhere.”
Arthur Rinderknech dropped the first set to Daniil Medvedev but refused to back down. He seized control in the second set, breaking Medvedev early and saving five break points to win 6-2.
Rinderknech's strong returns and precise shots left Medvedev struggling, with the Russian hitting multiple shots into the net from the baseline. Vacherot watched from the stands as Rinderknech gained momentum.
Family 👬 Teammates 🫶 Now Masters 1000 Final opponents
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2025
You really couldn't have believed it at the start of the week #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/d1EU6OTr1R
Rinderknech sealed the win with a decisive break in the third set. Medvedev saved one match point with a powerful 207km/h serve, but couldn't avoid defeat after double faulting on the second match point.
“I was like, you know what? Maybe I'm going to lose, but I'm going to fight like crazy,” Rinderknech said.
“I'm going to make him tired for tomorrow and at least I'm going to help (Valentin) to at least try to start the match a little bit ahead physically.
“Then somehow I got the break and then another one finished the set and then I was like, you know what? I'm just going to try everything and give it my best and somehow it worked out.”
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