Valentin Vacherot Triumphs Again Over Cousin in Paris Masters Clash
It’s been quite a remarkable few weeks for Valentin Vacherot, and his story just keeps getting better. The Monaco-born tennis player has once again defeated his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, this time at the Paris Masters — only a few weeks after pulling off the same feat in Shanghai. What makes this even more fascinating is the dynamic between the two: family off the court, fierce rivals on it.
Vacherot started the match a little shaky, dropping the first set in a tight tiebreaker, 6-7 (9-11). But as the tension eased, he found his rhythm, coming back strong to win 6-3, 6-4. This victory sets up an exciting third-round matchup against Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
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Now, what’s truly impressive is how Vacherot’s rise has unfolded this season. Just earlier this month, he shocked the tennis world at the Shanghai Masters, where he not only defeated top players like Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and Novak Djokovic, but also captured his very first ATP Masters 1000 title — all while ranked just 204th in the world. That win made him the lowest-ranked Masters champion since the series began back in 1990. And yes, that title match was also against his cousin, which he won in three sets.
After Shanghai, Vacherot’s confidence clearly soared. He climbed rapidly to world number 40 and continued his hot streak in Paris by breezing past Jiri Lehecka before facing Rinderknech again. When asked about the emotional side of facing family on court, Vacherot admitted the tension was higher this time. “It’s probably easier to play someone I don’t know as well,” he said, reflecting on how familiarity can make things complicated mentally.
Rinderknech, for his part, was gracious in defeat. He acknowledged that the match had a different energy from Shanghai but said his cousin simply deserved the win. Their family connection adds a touching layer to this rivalry — one that’s respectful, heartfelt, and rooted in shared history.
In a small but meaningful gesture, Vacherot once again left his mark on the courtside camera, this time writing “I love my family.” It’s the kind of message that reminds fans that, despite the competition, family bonds remain strong.
With his next challenge against Norrie coming up — and after Norrie’s stunning victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz — Vacherot’s run is shaping into one of the most inspiring stories of the season. Whether it’s destiny, hard work, or a mix of both, the 26-year-old from Monaco has made it clear that his breakthrough year is far from over.
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