Ex-WTA Star Calls Valentin Vacherots Shanghai Fairytale Better Than Hollywood Movies

Published: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 9:40 am

Ex-WTA Star Hails Vacherot's Shanghai Triumph as Unbelievable

Former WTA World No. 7 Marion Bartoli has lauded Valentin Vacherot's stunning victory at the Shanghai Masters, calling it a tennis story that even Hollywood would find hard to believe. Vacherot, who entered the tournament as an alternate, secured his first career title, defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in a three-set final.

Before this remarkable run, Vacherot's only tour-level match win this year was at the Monte Carlo Masters. His performance in Shanghai was nothing short of extraordinary. He eliminated five seeded players, including the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Adding to the improbable nature of his victory, Vacherot wasn't even certain he would participate in the tournament. He entered the qualifying rounds due to player withdrawals, having never previously played in the Shanghai qualifiers.

Bartoli, speaking on RMC's "Bartoli Time," described Vacherot's Shanghai campaign as the most beautiful story of the year in tennis. She highlighted the historic nature of his achievement, especially considering his initial uncertainty about playing.

Vacherot's victory is particularly significant. He began the tournament ranked No. 204 in the world and has now broken into the top 100, currently holding the 40th spot. The 26-year-old is the first player from Monaco to win a Masters 1000 title and the lowest-ranked player to achieve this feat since 1990. The final against his cousin was the first time the two had played each other in a professional match. Rinderknech took the first set before Vacherot rallied to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

BNN's Perspective: Vacherot's victory is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the power of perseverance. His story is a refreshing reminder that underdogs can triumph, and it will undoubtedly inspire aspiring tennis players worldwide.

Keywords: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai Masters, tennis, Marion Bartoli, Arthur Rinderknech, Novak Djokovic, Masters 1000, Monaco, WTA, tennis rankings, underdog, qualifying rounds, Monte Carlo Masters, Grand Slam, sports, champion, title

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