Valentin Vacherot: First-time winner in spotlight | ATP Tour

first time winner

Valentin Vacherot: first-time winner takes center stage

World No. 204 is the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 winner in history (since 1990)

October 12, 2025

Valentin Vacherot became the eighth player to win his first ATP Tour title this season at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. He also became the fifth player to win his first ATP Masters 1000 event.

Vaccello defeated Holger Ruhn and Novak Djokovic in the final before defeating his cousin Arthur Lindeknych in the final. The 26-year-old is the first Monegasque player to win an ATP Tour singles title.

ATPTour.com caught up with Vacherot to discuss the significance of his trophy journey, the journey to get to this point, and more…

What does it mean to you to win your first ATP Tour title?
I thought my first title might be ATP 250. But to do it here at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, it’s my first time in China, my first time in Shanghai. I think this country will hold the biggest place in my heart. This means the world to me.

Can you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key people in your life and career who have helped you achieve this milestone?

Many people. First is my parents. Thanks to them, I played tennis. When I first came out of the hospital, when I was just a few days old, they would put me on the sidelines and play ball. My brother and coach Benjamin, he has been looking out for me since I graduated from college in 2021. Barret, Benjamin’s father, is not my father. He taught me how to play tennis from age 10 to 18. These guys are from the Monaco Tennis Federation.

I also want to thank Arthur. He’s at Texas A&M and I’m not thinking about going to another school, I just believe he’s going to be there and progress with him and get better. As you can see, we’re getting a lot better. It’s surreal to be standing here with him today.

This is a landmark moment in your career. How will you celebrate this win?

I have no idea. I can’t wait to get home. This will be an amazing moment for everyone. To see my friends, family and parents, I would see them as soon as possible. The season is not over yet and I still have some work to do. When it’s all done, I’ll celebrate with my friends.

Playing against your cousin in the finals, the first time you’ve played against each other since Futures 2018… How strange is it to compare that game in 2018 to the experience you share together today?

He started his career in 2018, one of his first ITF events after college. I was still in college. I just wanted to train and play a few ITF games and ended up playing him in the quarterfinals. That’s fun. Little did we know we would be here next time we played. I do kind of wonder if I get back in the rankings, when will we play against each other for the first time and our families will laugh and have a big moment. It’s great to be in the Masters 1000 finals.

How would you describe yourself as a player? How would you describe yourself off the court?

I’m really calm and down to earth off the court. I’m not someone you’ll hear in the room very often. Not a person who talks a lot. It was my little side that helped me a lot in the big moments on the court this week. I have a lot of energy on the court and put all my energy into the court, training and games.

What would you say is your greatest passion outside of tennis? Can you tell us a little bit about this interest?

I really enjoy sitting on the couch watching Netflix. Playing video games, I’m a huge sports fan. Watch football. Watch a tennis match if my favorite player or my friend is playing tennis. Football or F1, I’m watching the big moments. I’ll go to the beach for a while and go for a walk with my girlfriend.