Valentin Vacherot Leaves His Mark in Monte-Carlo, Seizes QF Spot
At just 27, he becomes the first Monegasque in the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals in Monaco.
April 09, 2026
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Valentin Vacherot makes history as the first Monegasque player to reach the quarter-finals at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
By ATP Staff
Valentin Vacherot made headlines once again on Thursday, this time at the iconic Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Against the backdrop of a vibrant home crowd, he fought back to overcome former World No. 6 Hubert Hurkacz with a score of 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4, solidifying his place in the tournament’s quarter-finals. In a remarkable two-hour, 53-minute match, Vacherot became the first Monegasque player in the Open Era to advance to the last eight in Monte-Carlo.
This remarkable achievement on his home turf follows just eight months after his stunning victory in Shanghai, where he emerged as the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion since the series began in 1990, coming in at World No. 204.
Another chapter in the history books! 🔥 @val_vacherot continues to make waves in Monte-Carlo! @ROLEXMCMASTERS | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/9YfXaaWljd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 9, 2026
In a thrilling conclusion to his debut Lexus ATP Head2Head encounter with Hurkacz, Vacherot showcased incredible resilience by saving three pivotal break points, including two in a row from 15/40. After converting his first match point, the towering 6’4″ player dropped to his knees, soaking in the roars of the ecstatic crowd at Court Rainier III.
Having taken down last year’s runner-up Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, Vacherot reached the third round in Monaco for the first time, joining his half-brother and coach Benjamin Balleret as the only Monegasque men to achieve that milestone. With his epic win against Hurkacz, Vacherot has carved out his own legacy on home soil.
Vacherot’s impressive performance has propelled him four spots up to No. 19 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, securing him a new career high come Monday. In the upcoming quarter-finals, he will face formidable fifth seed Alex de Minaur.
