Vacherot Upgrades Career with Stunning Quarter-Final Victory in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China — Valentin Vacherot made history on Thursday by reaching the semi-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament, marking him as the first player from Monaco to achieve this feat. Vacherot, ranked No. 204 in the PIF ATP Rankings, pulled off a stunning comeback against No. 10 Holger Rune, winning 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.

The match lasted two hours and 59 minutes, showcasing Vacherot’s resilience after initially losing the first set. “I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. This is just unbelievable,” Vacherot said after his victory. The win also guarantees him a spot in the Top 100 for the first time, as he will rise to No. 92 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.

Vacherot expressed the emotional significance of the match, stating, “It was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking into the Top 100. I know this is just a step, but I cannot wait for the semi-final. I’m just so happy and living the dream.” His victory was fueled by an impressive performance, where he saved two break points in the tenth game of the final set.

The Frenchman was cheered on by his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, who is also competing in Shanghai and was watching from the stands. “I can’t wait to have a full year with him on the Tour,” Rinderknech said, highlighting the bond they share as former college teammates at Texas A&M University.

Vacherot’s journey to the semi-finals has been remarkable, as he came back from a set down in five of his matches in Shanghai, including two qualifying rounds. He will now face either Novak Djokovic or Zizou Bergs in the semi-finals. “The first set was pretty physical. My lungs were screaming a little bit, but that helped me to play a little bit more free in the second set,” he explained.

This impressive performance has captivated tennis fans, and Vacherot’s family, who have been cheering him on through a family WhatsApp group filled with supporters. “It’s just amazing to see everyone come together like this,” he added. It’s a moment of triumph not just for Vacherot himself but for the entire Monegasque tennis community.