Balleret Reflects on Vacherot’s Dream Journey: ‘When It’s Family, It’s Even More Special’
Coach shares heartfelt insights on his half-brother’s unforgettable tournament
October 12, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Masters
Valentin Vacherot revels in his Shanghai triumph alongside coach and half-brother Benjamin Balleret.
By ATP Staff
Valentin Vacherot’s remarkable win at the Rolex Shanghai Masters is a moment etched in history, and no one feels it more than his coach, Benjamin Balleret.
For Balleret, Vacherot is not merely an athlete; he is family. As half-brothers, this victory resonates deeply with him.
“The journey has been long, and there have been times when it felt like we might lose hope. Tough losses hit harder because it involves family; it’s not just a player you’re coaching,” Balleret expressed. “Your desire for their success runs even deeper.”
“So there have been highs and lows. Standing here today with Val as a Masters 1000 champion is just surreal.”
At one point ranked No. 204 on the PIF ATP Rankings, Balleret ironically held the same ranking as Vacherot during this tournament. After his exceptional performance, the Monegasque sensation is set to enter the Top 50 on Monday.
Unlike many, the 42-year-old Balleret did not pursue a college career in the U.S.; instead, he ventured straight into professional play, famously reaching the third round of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in 2006, where he faced off against Roger Federer.
Meanwhile, Vacherot took a different path, following cousin Arthur Rinderknech to Texas A&M University. During this time, Balleret began his coaching journey, first mentoring Gilles Muller for two and a half years, then spending nearly five years with Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
“When Val turned 18, he had some choices ahead of him. His aspiration was clear: to become a professional tennis player. However, he lacked the maturity—both mentally and physically. He was quite slender and still developing,” Balleret explained. “As a family, we encouraged him to consider college in America. It was crucial for him to grow in both tennis and fitness while being guided by a great coach like Steve Denton.”
Under Denton’s mentorship, a two-time Australian Open finalist, Vacherot rose to a career-high ranking of World No. 110 last year, but winning a Masters 1000 title seemed distant.
As the 26-year-old advanced through the Shanghai tournament, the goal was to face Jannik Sinner in the fourth round. However, after Sinner’s unexpected loss to Tallon Griekspoor, Vacherot found himself up against 100-time tour-level titlist Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
“You think, ‘Wow, he’s actually going to play Djokovic just once.’ Then he managed to beat him, albeit Djokovic wasn’t at his best,” Balleret said. “The narrative of facing Arthur in the final felt like something out of a movie—a true fairytale moment. That’s exactly how we feel right now.”
With his current ranking at No. 40 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Vacherot is now set for direct entry into top-tier tournaments worldwide. While this victory is exhilarating, both brothers envision it as just the beginning.
“We’ve already discussed our next step,” Balleret said. “I told him immediately, ‘Incredible! We’re going to keep pushing and striving for more. Let’s see what unfolds next!’
