Shanghai (China), Oct 12 (NationPress) - Valentin Vacherot, hailing from Monaco and currently ranked No. 204 globally, triumphed over Arthur Rinderknech of France with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to secure the title at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on Sunday. This match is noted for being the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 final in history. Despite the atypical rankings, the match showcased exceptional tennis and thrilling shifts in momentum, as Vacherot made a comeback after losing the first set.

"I feel that when I am down, I have no choice but to bring my A-game," Vacherot shared, reflecting on his ability to rally from behind, according to reports by Xinhua.

"In the first set, I didn't do that, and he was playing better than me. I seized my first opportunity to break in the second set, and from that moment, the crowd became more engaged, and we delivered a better performance in the latter part of the match."

"I was focused on overcoming the challenge posed by the player on the other side of the net," he added, discussing the difficulties of competing against Rinderknech.

The two athletes are cousins, linked through their mothers, and they grew up playing tennis together in southern France. After clinching the victory, Vacherot wrote on the camera lens: "Grandma and grandpa would be proud."

"I made an effort to set aside the fact that he is my cousin and my longtime training partner. It was quite challenging, and he managed the pressure better than I did in the first set. However, I found a way to turn things around."

"What just occurred is unbelievable. I can't quite grasp what's happening right now. It feels surreal; I am overjoyed with my performance over the past two weeks. I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. There has to be one loser, but I believe both families emerged victorious today, and this narrative is extraordinary for the sport of tennis," Vacherot remarked.

With this win, he made history as the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champion since 1990. Notably, the Monegasque athlete achieved victories against Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, and Tallon Griekspoor. He then overcame Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic to reach the tournament final, where he faced off against his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.