Valentin Vacherot’s remarkable journey at the Shanghai Masters has captivated tennis fans around the world. Entering the tournament as the world No. 204, Vacherot defied all odds by defeating three top-20 players, including the legendary Novak Djokovic, and ultimately capturing the title. This historic victory marked him as the lowest-ranked winner in Masters 1000 history, transforming his profile in the sport.
Vacherot’s unexpected success took flight following a series of remarkable matches, having nearly been eliminated in the qualifying rounds. After a stroke of luck allowed him to enter the main draw, his triumph over higher-ranked opponents like Alexander Bublik and Tomas Machac set the stage for an astonishing run. He then defeated Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune, and Djokovic, leading to a family showdown in the finals against his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech. Vacherot overcame a set deficit to claim the title with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Throughout this exhilarating journey, Vacherot and his girlfriend, Emily Snyder, leaned into superstitions that seemed to bolster his performance. Snyder admitted to adopting a specific tournament routine, which she kept hidden from Vacherot until after his victory. Interestingly, Vacherot revealed that he, too, had a peculiar superstition, using the same shower every day during the tournament. The duo, along with Vacherot’s coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, also adhered to a strict seating arrangement in their car rides, believing their routines played a vital role in their success.
The bond extended beyond just Vacherot and Snyder, as Rinderknech joined their team during the tournament. Bonding over meals, they frequently dined at the same Italian restaurant after watching Rinderknech’s matches, which added a sense of camaraderie to the fierce competition.
Following this life-altering victory, Vacherot returned to Monaco to reflect on his success before jumping back into competition at the ATP 500 in Basel. Although he faced an early exit against top seed Taylor Fritz, Vacherot’s journey continues, as he has earned a wildcard to compete in the upcoming Paris Masters. This exciting chapter for Vacherot serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, showing that with perseverance and a little superstition, anything is possible.