Shanghai Open Inspiring Tale: 2 Cousins Stun Tennis World

Family First: Cousins Rinderknech and Vacherot Create Magical Shanghai Open Run

In a story that transcends sport, the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters has been lit up by a heartwarming family saga. Cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot have simultaneously stormed into their first-ever ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final, turning their family WhatsApp group into the tournament’s most enthusiastic fan club.

The pair, who were once college roommates and teammates, are now quarter-finalists at one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar, sharing a career-defining moment that has their entire family buzzing with pride.

A Family Affair Lights Up Shanghai

The narrative isn’t just about two players winning matches; it’s about a shared dream. Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech and Monegasque Valentin Vacherot come from a family where tennis is the common language. Their mothers played, and Vacherot’s coach is his half-brother, former pro Benjamin Balleret.

“Our family WhatsApp group is buzzing a lot the past few days,” Rinderknech revealed after his win. “I can’t complain, it’s great and it’s reuniting the family together, at least online, having some fun. Everybody’s watching each other. So it’s really cool.”

Balleret confirmed the excitement, noting the group has 20-25 members. “Everybody loves tennis… It is basically almost all now only about tennis,” he said.

Rinderknech’s Stunning Top 20 Conquest

Arthur Rinderknech’s path to the quarter-finals has been nothing short of spectacular. After a difficult start to the 2023 season, he has found a phenomenal rhythm. His 6-3, 7-5 victory over Jiri Lehecka on Wednesday was his third win over a seeded opponent this week, following upsets over 28th seed Alex Michelsen and, most impressively, third seed Alexander Zverev.

This marks the first time in Rinderknech’s career he has notched multiple Top 20 wins in a single tournament. His powerful serve has been a key weapon.

“My serve was good today and I am really glad,” Rinderknech stated. “I came out a bit on fire today and it was a good match and being able to close in two sets, that was important and really happy about it.”

His performance is set to propel him back towards his career-high ranking, moving to World No. 43 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.

Vacherot’s Triumph Over Adversity

For Valentin Vacherot, the journey to the Shanghai Open quarter-finals is a testament to perseverance. The World No. 204, who had to qualify for the main draw, has made history as the first player from Monaco to ever reach an ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final. He is also the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist in the tournament’s history since 2009.

His achievement is even more remarkable considering his recent past. A severe right shoulder injury in the latter half of last year threatened his career.

“He couldn’t serve or hit a forehand,” Balleret recounted. “We were almost scared at some point that he couldn’t play tennis for even two years or something.”

After battling through the Challenger tour and playing only his second tour-level event of the season, Vacherot’s emotional run in Shanghai has been a cathartic release. After his fourth-round win, he said, “I don’t think I could realise what I was doing this whole week… This one is unbelievable, so much emotions. Just thinking of the tough times I had last year… I’m having one of the best times of my life.”

With a win in his next match, he is projected to break into the Top 100 for the first time.

From College Roommates to Elite Contenders

The bond between Rinderknech and Vacherot was forged years ago at Texas A&M University. Rinderknech, in fact, helped recruit his cousin to the team.

“I recruited him to College Station,” Rinderknech said. “We spent so many days doing many things and having a lot of fun, so it was really cool to be together in the same team and same place for a few years.”

Now, years later, they are together again on one of tennis’s biggest stages, supporting each other’s success. After his win, Rinderknech signed a camera lens with “I follow you Val” and a heart, a public nod to their private celebration.

As Vacherot prepares to face 10th seed Holger Rune, and Rinderknech awaits his next opponent, one thing is certain: their family WhatsApp group will be buzzing louder than ever, celebrating a Shanghai Open that this tennis family will never forget.