Arthur Rinderknech has taken time to reflect on his recent experience at the Shanghai Masters, where he faced his cousin Valentin Vacherot in the final. Vacherot, ranked as low as 204th in the world, made headlines with a stunning run that included victories over notable players such as Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and Novak Djokovic. The family showdown ended with Vacherot coming from behind to defeat Rinderknech, claiming a historic ATP title and making history as the lowest-ranked player to win a Masters tournament.
In a recent press conference before the Paris Masters, Rinderknech expressed pride in his family’s achievement despite his disappointment at falling short. He remarked, “I’m loving it. What we achieved was outstanding. It’s historical. Experiencing that with a family member was incredible. I’m delighted for him.” However, he emphasized the fast pace of the ATP Tour, stating that it was important to move forward and focus on upcoming challenges.
After the intense Asian tour that culminated in the Shanghai final, Rinderknech chose to take a break from competitive play, spending time in nature to recuperate. He described the much-needed downtime spent with family as beneficial, stating, “It was important for me to regroup and spend some quality time with my wife and the people in my family.” He reflected positively on his runner-up position, considering it a valuable experience filled with lessons.
As he preps for the Paris Masters, Rinderknech has been practicing intensively, even facing world number one Carlos Alcaraz in a practice set, which he won. He noted a positive change in the court speed for this tournament, indicating that the slower conditions might benefit his play. Tournament director Cedric Pioline acknowledged mixed feedback regarding the adjustments to the court speed, but Rinderknech maintains that the conditions are balanced and conducive to exciting matches.
In his first match in Paris, Rinderknech will face a qualifier, with the potential for a second-round clash against Vacherot, which would add another chapter to their competitive family saga. Overall, Rinderknech’s focus and the supportive bond with his cousin offer a promising outlook as both players embark on this tournament.