For the first time in history, tennis experienced a heartwarming and historic moment from the 2025 Shanghai Masters, where cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot celebrated reaching the final together.
EMOTIONAL ON-COURT EMBRACE
After Arthur Rinderknech defeated Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal, Valentin Vacherot rushed from the stands to greet him. The two cousins hugged tightly, smiling through tears under the bright lights. It was a moment of pure joy and disbelief — a culmination of shared dreams and years of mutual support.
“Even in the biggest dream we couldn’t have dreamt about this,” Rinderknech said. “It’s a dream that couldn’t even exist at the beginning.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR ON TENNIS’ GRAND STAGE
This was the first time in ATP history that two cousins reached a Masters 1000 final together. Vacherot, ranked No 204, stunned Novak Djokovic, while Rinderknech overcame Medvedev. Their paths to the final were filled with grit, surprises, and historic wins.
A week that will go down in the history books for this family 👬#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/C17UdJqij3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 12, 2025
PRESENTATION CEREMONY TEARS
After the final, which Vacherot won 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, Rinderknech broke down during his speech, overcome with emotion. He was unable to speak and later collapsed from cramp, needing assistance. Vacherot, also tearful, continued his speech in front of a crowd that included Roger Federer.
Going through all the emotions 🥹#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/KCFfhSHeoT
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 12, 2025