"Two cousins are stronger than one," Rinderknech's moving speech after his defeat in the Shanghai Masters 1000 final

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 12/10/2025 à 12h53

2 min to read

Balleret Pouille Rinderknech Shanghai Vacherot

Arthur Rinderknech took to the podium after the Shanghai Masters 1000 final and couldn't hold back his tears when mentioning his cousin Valentin Vacherot.

Rinderknech was just one set away from victory, but the Frenchman was ultimately overturned by his cousin Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai final (4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in 2h13). We'll have to wait longer to find a successor to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the last French player to win a Masters 1000 in 2014. During the trophy ceremony, Rinderknech couldn't hide his emotion during his speech.

"Thank you to the crowd for all your incredible support throughout the week. This is one of the best center courts we have on the tour, I gave my maximum in every match. I had to sweat, even though it wasn't enough to win today.

Thank you to the organization, this tournament is one of the best and it's not for nothing. You do a great job and it makes us want to come back every year. For Valentin (Vacherot), my beloved cousin (both players start crying).

Two cousins are stronger than one (Vacherot and his coach Benjamin Balleret). You won today, congratulations. I gave everything, I couldn't have done more. You deserve it so much, I'm so happy for you. I hope we'll have more, this is just the beginning. You are strong.

Mohamed (Toubache), damn, what we've been through! This is the first time in your life you've accompanied me to a tennis tournament, we make a Masters 1000 final, I don't know where it came from. I still won't know in a few days but we'll be able to talk about it. It was wonderful. I thank you for everything.

Thank you to Lucas (Pouille) at home. We started working together five months ago when I was at rock bottom, I wanted to quit tennis because I had no idea where I was going anymore. They gave me a chance, they trusted me and when we see where we are today, this is just the beginning. I'd like to thank him.

Thank you to Tanguy and Olive, I'm looking forward to continuing with you guys. Thank you to Hortense (Boscher), my beloved little wife, she's incredible. Without her, I wouldn't be here. Thank you to my parents, we're here thanks to you. It was a pleasure, and see you next year," Rinderknech thus declared on the podium during the ceremony.