Monaco held its breath. The Principality erupted with pride.
Valentin Vacherot, a gifted player few had predicted to go quite that far though, has just achieved the impossible. Valentin has won the Shanghai Masters, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, in the same top tier with the historic Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.
And as he returned home, Prince Albert II himself was there to congratulate him, calling it “a truly historic moment for Monegasque sport”.
From Outsider to Hero
Ranked 204th in the world at the start of the tournament, Vacherot stormed through the draw with remarkable poise and courage.
He defeated Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik, and Tallon Griekspoor and then pulled off an upset quarterfinals victory against Holger Rune before producing the upset of the year, a straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals (6-3, 6-4).
In the final, destiny offered a family twist: Vacherot faced his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech who himself had produced miracles beating Daniil Medvedev in his semi-final.
After losing the first set 4-6, Vacherot steadied himself and dominated the next two 6-3, 6-3, and claimed his first ever ATP Tour title, and not just any title, but a Masters 1000, the first singles title in history for a Monegasque representative.
At the net, the emotion was palpable. The two cousins embraced, tears in their eyes.
“Two cousins are stronger than one. You won today — congratulations,” said Rinderknech, in one of the most touching moments of the tennis season.
An Achievement Etched in Monegasque History
Vacherot’s triumph shattered several records. He is the first player representing Monaco ever to win an ATP Tour singles title. Not only that, he is the lowest-ranked player in the history of the Masters to win a Masters 1000 event.
Of course that all leads to a meteoric rise from No. 204 to the world’s Top 40 in just over one week.
For Monaco, it was more than a sporting victory, it was a moment of national pride.
Throughout the final stages of the tournament, Prince Albert II followed Vacherot’s progress closely.
Messages of encouragement, congratulations, and public recognition poured in from the Palace and from the Monegasque Tennis Federation, led by Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.
Upon his return, Vacherot was welcomed in Nice before being received at the Prince’s Palace, where he presented his Shanghai trophy to the Sovereign.
A Symbol for the Principality
Beyond the statistics, Vacherot’s journey embodies something deeply Monegasque, the idea that perseverance, humility, and unity can make even the smallest nation shine on the world stage.
His success will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of young athletes in Monaco, proving that nothing is impossible when passion meets opportunity.
The Shanghai crown has also led him into receiving a wild card for the Swiss Indoors in Basel, where he will have another chance to test himself among the elite, this time as a newly crowned champion.
“Nothing Is Impossible Daghe Munegu!”
Valentin Vacherot’s story is now part of Monaco’s sporting legend, the tale of a young man who dreamed big and, with heart and determination, turned that dream into reality.
For the Principality, this is more than a trophy. It’s a symbol, of belief, of excellence, and of Monaco’s enduring ability to inspire the world.
Bravo, Valentin. Monaco is proud of you and we at HelloMonaco are proud of you.
