Shanghai Masters: Daniil Medvedev Advances to Semifinals, Faces Arthur Rinderknech

Arthur Rinderknech

Shanghai Masters: Daniil Medvedev defeats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 to reach Shanghai Masters semifinals, where he'll face Arthur Rinderknech.

“I'm not used to watching someone and really wanting him to win so badly...”

Daniil Medvedev cruised past world number seven Alex de Minaur, winning 6-4, 6-4 to secure a spot in the Shanghai Masters semifinals. He'll face unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who pulled off an upset against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime with a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

Rinderknech's win sets up an intriguing matchup against Medvedev, while his cousin Valentin Vacherot will challenge four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic in the other semifinal. Vacherot, ranked 204th, pulled off a stunning win earlier in the tournament, becoming the second-lowest ranked player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.

Medvedev expressed his satisfaction with the win, saying he's showing “signs of my previous self” after a tough year. Rinderknech, meanwhile, joked about his family's excitement, saying his WhatsApp group was “burning” with enthusiasm.

Daniil Medvedev expressed his delight after beating Alex in a challenging match, saying he's “super happy to beat such a tough player.” The Russian player, who has slipped to 18th in the rankings, acknowledged the difficulties he's faced this year, making his semifinal spot all the more satisfying.

Medvedev broke Alex in the fifth game and successfully held his serve despite a shaky 10th game. He had to save a breakpoint and overcame three double-faults to secure the win.

Alex de Minaur showed flashes of brilliance, but the Australian seemed somewhat off his game, unable to capitalize on key moments. He struggled to seize opportunities, and a series of errors in the ninth game ultimately handed the second set to Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev sealed the win with an ace, wrapping up the set without further drama.

50 ATP hard court Semi-Finals 🤩

Daniil Medvedev defeats Alex de Minaur 6-4 6-4 to reach this significant milestone in his career 🤝#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/DOnlyAAUw3

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 10, 2025

Cousins Make History in Shanghai Masters Semifinals

Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot have made history as cousins in the Shanghai Masters semifinals. Rinderknech, who was ranked 54th at the start of the tournament, has had an incredible run, beating world number three Alexander Zverev and securing a 6-3, 6-4 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.

Vacherot, a 204th-ranked qualifier from Monaco, stunned fifth-seed Holger Rune 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4 to reach the semifinals. The cousins' success has sparked excitement among fans, with many speculating about a potential all-family semifinal clash. Rinderknech will face Daniil Medvedev or Alex de Minaur, while Vacherot takes on Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

30 year-old Arthur Rinderknech continues his incredible run un Shanghai, defeats #13 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4 to reach the biggest semifinal of his life.

Joins cousin Valentin Vacherot (was in his box) in the last 4 so a family final is still possible. pic.twitter.com/GaLobcND3s

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 10, 2025

Arthur Rinderknech dominated 13th-ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime, breaking the Canadian in the sixth game with a precise down-the-line winner. He continued his strong performance in the second set, starting with a break in the first game thanks to a well-placed forehand.

Rinderknech's convincing win earned him a spot in the semifinals, where he'll face Daniil Medvedev. After the match, Rinderknech quipped, “Sometimes you like to win ugly, and today I thought it was a pretty good-looking win,” showcasing his confidence and humor.

“I'm not used to watching someone and really wanting him to win so badly,” he said.

“It was a lot easier for me to be on court today and just control my emotions and do my own thing, which I know how to do.”

Arthur Rinderknech joked that his own quarterfinal win was less stressful than watching his cousin Valentin Vacherot's match the day before.

“I'm not used to watching someone and really wanting him to win so badly,” he said.

“It was a lot easier for me to be on court today and just control my emotions and do my own thing, which I know how to do.” 

Arthur Rinderknech's family is ecstatic about the cousins' success.“Everybody is just living the little dream we are in, Val and I, so it's really enjoyable,” he said, adding that his family WhatsApp group was “burning” with excitement.