SHANGHAI — In a stunning turn of events at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, a blockbuster family showdown is on the horizon as cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech have both powered their way into the semi-finals of the prestigious ATP 1000 tournament. The two Frenchmen, who grew up practicing together and share a deep familial bond, are now just one victory each away from a historic final clash that would be unprecedented at this level of the sport.
Vacherot, the 25-year-old from Monaco, continued his dream run by defeating the 19th seed, Sebastian Korda, in a hard-fought three-set battle, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-2. Not to be outdone, Rinderknech, 28, produced the biggest upset of the tournament by toppling the formidable World No. 6 and recent US Open semi-finalist, Ben Shelton, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-3, in a match filled with thunderous serving and raw power.
A Shared Journey from Juniors to the Big Stage
The potential for a cousin-versus-cousin final is a story that transcends the typical tennis narrative. Both players hail from tennis-loving families in France and spent their formative years hitting balls together. Vacherot, currently ranked World No. 109, has been steadily climbing the ranks this season, while Rinderknech, ranked 80th, is known for his massive serve and aggressive game. Their parallel paths have now converged spectacularly in Shanghai.
In his post-match press conference, an elated Vacherot spoke about the surreal nature of their simultaneous success. "It's crazy, honestly. We were texting each other before our matches today, just the usual 'good luck' stuff. To think we both won and are now in the semis... it's a dream we never even dared to have as kids," Vacherot said, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Navigating the Semi-Final Hurdles
The dream final is not yet a reality, as both face monumental challenges in their respective semi-finals. Valentin Vacherot will take on the tournament's surprise package, Italian Lorenzo Sonego, who has been in devastating form, dispatching Top 20 players with his flat, powerful groundstrokes. Sonego defeated Vacherot in their only previous meeting, setting the stage for a tense grudge match.
Arthur Rinderknech faces an even steeper challenge: a showdown with the World No. 2 and recent Beijing champion, Jannik Sinner. The Italian phenom has been nearly unstoppable in the latter half of the season and will be the heavy favorite. Rinderknech acknowledged the difficulty but radiated confidence. "I've just beaten a top-10 player. I know what I'm capable of. Sinner is an incredible player, but on this day, in this moment, why not me?"
Paths to the Semi-Finals: A Comparative Look
The cousins' journeys through the draw highlight their resilience and current form:
- Valentin Vacherot: d. [Q] Dino Prizmic, [14] Tommy Paul, [23] Jan-Lennard Struff, [19] Sebastian Korda
- Arthur Rinderknech: d. [WC] Yi Zhou, [12] Alex de Minaur, [31] Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, [6] Ben Shelton
Rinderknech's path is particularly notable for its difficulty, having now defeated two seeded players, including a top-10 opponent. His victory over Shelton was a masterclass in composure, saving all five break points he faced and firing 18 aces past the American left-hander.
Family First, But Competition is Fierce
The dynamic between the two cousins adds a rich, emotional layer to the tournament. Both players were quick to state that their primary focus is on winning their own semi-finals, but they admitted that the possibility of facing each other for one of the biggest titles of their careers is a powerful motivator. They have only played once on the ATP Tour, with Rinderknech winning in straight sets in Marseille last year.
Rinderknech elaborated on their relationship, stating, "We are family, first and foremost. We've shared Christmases, we've trained together for years. But when you step on the court, that goes away. It's a competition. I want to win, he wants to win. If we meet in the final, it will be the toughest match of our lives, emotionally and physically."
Their families are reportedly in a state of joyous chaos, with plans being hastily made to fly to Shanghai to witness the potential historic moment. The logistical challenge of who to support is a happy problem for the extended Vacherot-Rinderknech clan. Vacherot joked, "I think our mothers have already decided they will sit together in a neutral box and just be a nervous wreck."
A Landmark Moment for French Tennis
This dual success story is also a significant boost for French tennis, which has been searching for a consistent male champion since the era of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils, and Richard Gasquet. Having two compatriots, let alone relatives, in the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 event is a tremendous achievement. The French Tennis Federation has already released a statement celebrating their success.
The key factors that have propelled both players this week include:
- Aggressive Returning: Both have stepped inside the baseline to attack second serves.
- Clutch Play: Winning a high percentage of decisive tie-breaks and break points.
- Mental Fortitude: Showing remarkable resilience in third-set situations.
Tennis analysts have been quick to praise their performances. Former World No. 4 Brad Gilbert commented on social media, "The Vacherot-Rinderknech story in Shanghai is what makes sports so great. Absolutely phenomenal stuff from both."
The Stakes for the Shanghai Finale
Beyond the fairytale narrative, the professional stakes could not be higher. For the winner of the Shanghai Masters, the rewards are immense: 1000 ATP ranking points and a prize money share of over $1.2 million. For Vacherot, a title would catapult him well inside the Top 50 for the first time. For Rinderknech, it would represent a career-defining victory and a likely Top 30 debut.
As the tennis world turns its attention to Friday's semi-finals, all eyes will be on the two French cousins. The question on everyone's mind is whether this incredible story will have the perfect ending. Rinderknech perhaps summed it up best: "We have one more mountain to climb each. Let's see if we meet at the summit."
Whether they both triumph or not, the 2023 Shanghai Masters will forever be remembered as the tournament where Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech announced themselves on the world stage, together.