Valentin Vacherot had a fairytale run in Shanghai as he entered the Masters 1000 event as an alternate player and secured a spot in the main draw after winning the qualifying rounds. Then, after his first-round win over fellow unseeded player Laslo Djere, the Monegasque knocked out seeded players one after the other.
Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac (gave a walkover), Tallon Griekspoor, and Holger Rune. The player in the semifinal he eliminated was none other than four-time Shanghai Masters champion Novak Djokovic, following which, he set up a clash with his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, also the Daniil Medvedev-conqueror.
Following a three-set battle, Rinderknech collapsed due to cramps while Vacherot was giving his winner’s speech at the trophy presentation. “I think we need some help, please,” Vacherot said while both he and his cousin laughed.
Here’s the video: