Magical Monaco: Discover Vacherot’s Enchanting Journey to Glory
Valentin Vacherot makes history as the first player from Monaco to secure an ATP Tour singles title.
October 13, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Masters
Valentin Vacherot proudly waves the flag of Monaco, celebrating his monumental victory.
By Greg Sharko
What an exhilarating journey it has been at the Rolex Shanghai Masters for Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, the esteemed president of the Monegasque Tennis Federation, Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, and the famed Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Arriving in Shanghai on a brisk Friday after a 20-hour journey from Monaco with tournament director David Massey, de Massy would soon find her endurance rewarded.
On Saturday, de Massy joined Massey in the guest box to witness Vacherot’s stunning victory over four-time Rolex Shanghai Masters champion and World No. 5 Novak Djokovic. Just 24 hours later, she was back in the stands, exhilarated to witness the 26-year-old make history by overcoming his cousin Arthur Rinderknech with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, becoming the first Monegasque player in the Open Era to clinch an ATP Tour singles crown.
“My heart is swelling with pride! Words can’t encapsulate the emotions I felt throughout that match,” exclaimed de Massy. “He played brilliantly, showcasing some truly spectacular moments of tennis. I am elated to share this incredible experience with him and witness this historic final.”
De Massy’s phone buzzed incessantly with congratulatory messages and interview requests from well-wishers back home. Passionate tennis aficionado Prince Albert II of Monaco stayed closely connected, sending messages to de Massy before and during the decisive match.
During the final, her phone lit up with several WhatsApp alerts from Prince Albert II, and afterward, he took the time to speak with both her and Vacherot.
“We chatted for around 10 to 15 minutes post-match, and he was just thrilled. Prince Albert shared a special moment with Val for about ten minutes as well,” de Massy shared, receiving nearly 100 messages after the monumental win. “He was deeply moved by Val’s words during the award ceremony and beamed with pride over his remarkable results. The Prince also took time to address the local press, applauding the Federation’s efforts. The entire nation is filled with pride.”
David Massey and Melanie-Antoinette de Massy cheering on Vacherot in Shanghai. Photo: Rolex Shanghai Masters.
A watch party was organized at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, buzzing with excitement among members and young tennis enthusiasts. The match was broadcast on a massive screen, an event supported by the Monaco Town Hall, reminiscent of the celebrations during the Formula 1 race in Monte-Carlo.
“I’ve yet to scroll through my phone or catch up with the highlights,” said Vacherot. “I’m eager to see the videos, especially from the watch party in Monte-Carlo. It’s a Sunday, so I know the turnout will be fantastic!”
Once the final whistle concluded, Vacherot donned the Monaco flag, a profound moment before the award ceremony. He reflected deeply on his glorious achievement and its significance for his homeland.
“Wrapped in the flag, representing my country—it’s surreal!” Vacherot remarked, soaring from No. 204 to No. 40 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “Monaco may be small, but our accomplishments in tennis are monumental. With limited players, we’ve now celebrated a Masters 1000 singles title and two Masters 1000 doubles titles alongside Hugo Nys, who also made it to a Grand Slam final. Our achievements are remarkable, and I hope we make everyone proud!”
Nys, currently ranked No. 19 in doubles and having reached a peak of No. 12 in June 2023, claimed the ATP Masters 1000 Rome title earlier in the year and also reached the Australian Open final.
This year, at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, French-born Monegasque player Romain Arneodo made waves by teaming up with Frenchman Manuel Guinard to win the doubles title, marking a first for a Monegasque player.
“It’s a historic moment for Monaco, especially since we’ve yet to see a player born here break into the Top 100 in singles,” de Massy noted. “As Valentin mentioned post-semi-finals, tennis encompasses both singles and doubles. We boast incredible doubles talent in Monaco. We thrive on our team spirit, and with the cooperation of the Monaco Tennis Federation, our community is one big family!”
Vacherot’s half-brother and coach, Benjamin Balleret, cultivated the belief in Valentin that he could enter the Top 100 and aim even higher.
“When setting goals for Val, we aimed beyond just the Top 100. It should not feel like the peak,” Balleret said, who himself peaked at No. 204 in 2006. “We aim for Top 50, Top 30—cultivating even greater ambitions. Our role as coaches is to support him, instilling the belief that he can ascend to the Top 50, while many players lose sight of such aspirations.”
