Valentin Vacherot Tops Arthur Rinderknech Again at Paris Masters

PARIS, France – Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot triumphed over his cousin Arthur Rinderknech for the second time in three weeks, winning 6-7(9-11), 6-3, 6-4 at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

This victory sets up a third-round match against British player Cameron Norrie. Vacherot faced early struggles but found his rhythm as the match progressed, ultimately securing his spot after a nearly three-hour duel.

The 26-year-old Vacherot, who became the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1,000 champion earlier this month, admitted to feeling more tension during matches against familiar opponents. “It’s probably easier to approach matches against players I know less well,” he said.

In their previous meeting, Vacherot and Rinderknech faced off in the Shanghai Masters final, where Vacherot emerged victorious in three sets as well. “It was different from Shanghai,” Rinderknech noted after the match. “He deserves his victory.”

Despite a shaky start and three break points against him at 0-40, Vacherot’s performance included 32 winners, overshadowing Rinderknech’s unforced errors.

Vacherot’s victory followed Jannik Sinner‘s straight-sets win over Zizou Bergs earlier that day. If Sinner wins the Paris Masters, he will reclaim the world number one ranking, as current top player Carlos Alcaraz suffered an early exit.

As Vacherot continues his journey in the tournament, he expressed gratitude for his family’s support, written on the courtside camera after the match. “I love my family,” he shared, showing the familial pride in both his and Rinderknech’s efforts.