Rinderknech Stuns Medvedev, Setting Up Epic Family Final with Cousin Vacherot in Shanghai
French star reaches his first ATP Masters 1000 final
October 11, 2025
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
A heartwarming moment: Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech celebrate after Rinderknech’s thrilling three-set victory over Daniil Medvedev.
By ATP Staff
This year’s Rolex Shanghai Masters tale is straight out of a cinematic blockbuster.
In a remarkable showdown, cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot are set to duel for the coveted ATP Masters 1000 title. Earlier, Vacherot took down four-time champion Novak Djokovic with a stunning performance, while Rinderknech triumphed over 2019 winner Daniil Medvedev with scores of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, making the championship a family affair.
“We couldn’t have imagined this scenario in our wildest dreams,” said Rinderknech. “It feels surreal, like a fantasy come true. We truly started believing it during the quarter-finals.”
“After all the matches we’ve fought through, here we are, standing at the end. It’s just beyond incredible.”
The thrilling moment when Medvedev’s double fault sealed the match was unforgettable. Rinderknech dropped to the court in disbelief, while Vacherot, who was watching from the sidelines, was left in awe. He quickly rushed onto the court for a heartfelt embrace with his cousin.
In a jubilant moment, Rinderknech turned to the TV camera and exclaimed, “What now???!!!!”
It’s a family showdown 🙌
Arthur Rinderknech faces cousin Valentin Vacherot in the 2025 @SH_RolexMasters final! #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/HwNJF5rb0V
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 11, 2025
Rinderknech has now become the ninth French player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final. This was his first Masters 1000 semi-final, and he seeks redemption after narrowly missing out in the 2022 final in Adelaide.
Initially, Rinderknech’s focus was on supporting his cousin more than on his own path to the final. Medvedev started strong, breaking Rinderknech at love early in the first set, demonstrating his intent to clinch his first Masters 1000 final of the season.
“I lost the first set, and the humidity tonight was intense. Having played in the heat during the day, the ball felt a lot slower in these conditions,” Rinderknech explained. “I was drained after that set, but I was determined to fight fiercely, not just for me but to help Val come in fresh for his match tomorrow.”
The 30-year-old surged ahead with a 2-0 lead in the second set, ignited by a clever drop shot. His performance was remarkable as he saved all nine break points in the last two sets, turning the tides in his favor.
At 3-3 in the final set, Rinderknech showcased incredible grit, saving two break points with powerful serves. He held strong to love at 4-4, positioning himself for a career-defining victory.
Medvedev managed to stave off one match point with a bold serve but ultimately double-faulted on his second match point, sealing Rinderknech’s triumph. Currently, Rinderknech ranks No. 28 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and could ascend to No. 22 with a victory this Sunday.
No matter the outcome, this championship face-off is one neither Rinderknech nor Vacherot will ever forget. The cousins have shared the court in college tennis at Texas A&M University, and now they are on the brink of competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
