Arthur Rinderknech tumbled off the stage while his cousin, Valentin Vacherot, delivered his winning speech at the Shanghai Masters.

The Frenchman appeared to lose energy after claiming the opening set of their historic family final, and world No. 204 Vacherot rallied back to secure victory 4-6 6-3 6-3.

Both cousins were visibly emotional as they honored each other during their speeches at the trophy ceremony. Roger Federer was among those in the stands to watch the match.

However, as Vacherot began thanking his half-brother and coach, Benjamin, a loud thud interrupted the moment. Rinderknech, who had been crouching at the rear of the stage, suddenly fell down, prompting commentators to speculate whether he was experiencing cramps.

The day in Shanghai was already making history, as Vacherot, who advanced through qualifying rounds, became the lowest-ranked player to reach a Masters 1000 final.

The world No. 204 faced off against his cousin, French tennis star Rinderknech. Before the match began, both players had stated they considered themselves winners regardless of the outcome.

Yet it was Vacherot who achieved the impossible and walked away as tournament champion. The trophy presentation turned emotional when both competitors became tearful during Rinderknech’s address.

Following that, Vacherot took his turn at the microphone. The world No. 204 delivered a heartfelt, tearful tribute to his cousin, the second-place finisher. Rinderknech dropped to a crouching position on the floor and wept openly. Within moments, his body collapsed, and he rolled backward off the stage platform.

Vacherot began laughing nervously but quickly took charge and shouted: “I think we need some help please!” Staff members quickly came to assist Rinderknech, with commentator Nick Lester suggesting: “Cramp maybe crept into Arthur Rinderknech’s body.”

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Meanwhile, Vacherot continued his speech, expressing gratitude to his team and girlfriend. As he spoke, staff attended to Rinderknech, swiftly providing him a chair to sit on while a physio treated his thigh.

Once Vacherot finished speaking, the French star managed to stand again for photos before leaving his cousin to bask in the moment. Despite delivering most of their speeches in French, Vacherot had previously told TV cameras that he wished there could have been two winners.

Immediately after being declared the champion, the stunned qualifier said: “I mean, just all like crying, it’s just unreal. What just happened? I have no idea what’s happening right now. I’m not in a dream, it’s just crazy. I’m just so happy with my performance these last two weeks i just want to thank everyone that has put a brick in my career since the beginning.

“Sharing this final was really tough, there has to be one, but I think there’s just two winners today, one family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal. I wish there could be two winners but unfortunately there’s only one and, for myself, I’m happy it could be me.”