The first set belonged to Jiří Lehečka. But the trophy would belong to Valentin Vacherot. Monaco’s tennis standard-bearer produced a stirring comeback in the Swiss Indoors Basel final on Sunday 1 November, defeating the Czech eighth seed 2–6, 6–3, 6–3. After one hour and 54 minutes, the unseeded Monegasque had secured his second ATP Tour title and become the first player from the Principality to lift the Basel singles trophy.
A week that demanded nerve, endurance and repeated escapes has ended with another landmark for Monaco.
A final turned around
There was little sign of that celebration during the opening exchanges. Lehečka imposed himself early, breaking Vacherot’s serve three times on his way to taking the first set. But Vacherot gradually steadied his game as errors began to interrupt the Czech player’s rhythm. A break with Lehečka serving at 1–2 in the second set gave the Monegasque the advantage, and he carried it through to level the match. Vacherot then broke immediately in the decider. Lehečka threatened a response, earning a break point with Vacherot leading 3–2, but could not convert. The Monegasque held firm before breaking again to seal victory on his first championship point.
Fritz stopped at the semifinal hurdle
The final followed an impressive Saturday performance against Taylor Fritz, whom Vacherot defeated 7–6(5), 6–3. The American had led 5–3 in the opening tie-break, only for Vacherot to sweep the next four points. In the second set, a break for 5–3 put the Monegasque within reach of the final; he then served out the match, converting his third match point. It was another demonstration of his ability to deliver when a contest tightens.
Earlier victories had required still more persistence. After opening against Mariano Navone, Vacherot edged third seed Rafael Jódar 7–6(4), 2–6, 7–6(5), then overcame Holger Rune 6–3, 3–6, 6–3 in the quarterfinals. Three of his five matches in Basel went the distance.
Two finals, two trophies
At 27, Vacherot now has two titles from two ATP Tour finals. His breakthrough came at the Shanghai Masters in 2025; Basel adds an ATP 500 trophy to that achievement. The combination also places his name alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic among players who have won both tournaments. Shanghai introduced Vacherot to a much wider audience. Basel gives that audience another reason to keep watching. And Monaco has its champion’s homecoming to celebrate.
