"We wouldn't even have dared to dream it": Rinderknech overwhelmed ahead of his historic final against his cousin

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Arthur Millot

le 11/10/2025 à 15h22

1 min to read

Rinderknech Shanghai Vacherot

Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot have written a unique page in tennis history in Shanghai: they will face each other as first cousins in the tournament final.

Interviewed just after his qualification, Rinderknech, still emotional, stated:

"Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined this. No one in our family dreamed of it. It's something that came out of nowhere. I think we started to believe in it during the quarterfinals. I told myself: 'Who knows? It's very difficult. Maybe one or two guys might withdraw.' Whatever happens, we're here now. It's simply incredible."

In an era where rivalry is often over-hyped, seeing two members of the same family compete in a major tournament final reminds us how unique sports can be.