Follow us on Google Discover Arthur Rinderknech was incredibly emotional when speaking to Valentin Vacherot after the Shanghai Masters final.
Vacherot and Rinderknech were part of the first family final on the ATP Tour since 1991, which took place between the two McEnroe brothers.
The two cousins both had dream runs to their first Masters 1000 final, but it was Vacherot who was able to beat Rinderknech and lift the trophy.
Vacherot and Rinderknech embraced each other at the net after the match, and the family bond was clear to see throughout the post-match speeches.
Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty ImagesWhat Arthur Rinderknech told Valentin Vacherot after Shanghai Masters final
Coming from a set down, Vacherot beat cousin Rinderknech, 4-6 6-3 6-3, to complete a dream week in Shanghai after coming through qualifying.
As is traditional after finals, both players spoke in the post-match ceremony, which started with Rinderknech.
When turning to speak to Vacherot in French, Rinderknech suddenly started to get very emotional and struggled to finish his sentences.
Vacherot’s coach, who is his half brother Benjamin Balleret, was also mentioned by Rinderknech.
“To Valentin, my beloved cousin, my brother,” a tearful Rinderknech said. “This is the bond between a cousin and his older brother. Benjamin? Benjamin! Bravo! It’s amazing!
“Two cousins are stronger than one, so you won today. Bravo—I gave everything and couldn’t do more, but you gave everything too. I’m so happy for you and hope we have more moments like this. Bravo, guys! I love you all very much!”
What Arthur Rinderknech said about the Shanghai crowd after the final
Rinderknech also addressed the Shanghai crowd, who were very lively throughout the final against Vacherot.
One of the big topics at the tournament in Shanghai have been the humid conditions, with Rinderknech struggling to breathe in one of his matches.
Despite the struggles he has faced this week, Rinderknech was full of praise for the crowd at the Shanghai Masters.
“I want to thank you guys first for the support this week because it was amazing,” said Rinderknech. “Amazing to play on the Centre Court, the conditions were perfect, one of the nicest centre courts in the world.
“I enjoyed it so much. I enjoyed the battle. I gave everything that I had on every match. It was hot and humid. I sweated everything I had. Today was not enough to get the win. But I gave it my all and that’s all that matters. Thank you to the Chinese fans and the whole Shanghai population.”
Valentin Vacherot signs the camera after beating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the Shanghai final:
“Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”
🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 12, 2025
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After reaching his first Masters 1000 final, Rinderknech will be rewarded with a new career-high ranking alongside Vacherot.
The Frenchman has withdrawn from the European Open, with his next tournament coming at the ATP 500 event in Basel.