Vacherot caps historic Shanghai Masters 2025 run, transforming his career in one win.
Valentin Vacherot made history at the Shanghai Masters 2025, defeating cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to claim his first ATP Tour title. The world No. 204 from Monaco became the lowest-ranked ATP Masters 1000 champion since 1990, capping an improbable run that saw him rise from qualifier to champion. Beyond prestige, Vacherot walked away with prize money of $1.12 million, more than doubling his career earnings.
Both finalists, Vacherot and Rinderknech, described reaching the Rolex Shanghai Masters final as a victory in itself. Before the tournament, Vacherot’s career earnings stood at $594,077, with just one ATP Tour-level win. By reaching the final, he would have already surpassed that total, earning at least $597,890. Winning the title, however, more than doubled his lifetime earnings, with the champion pocketing $1.12 million and Rinderknech taking home the abovementioned substantial runner-up sum.
Along with the paycheck, Vacherot significantly boosted his ATP ranking points. He is guaranteed at least 670 points for making the final, including 20 points from qualifying wins, with the champion receiving 1,000 points and the runner-up 650. This points haul is poised to propel him into the Top 50 in the ATP Rankings, a dramatic leap for the 26-year-old Monegasque.
The full prize money breakdown, along with the ranking points won for the Shanghai Masters 2025, is as follows:
| Rounds | Points | Prize Money |
| Winner | 1,000 | $1,124,380 |
| Finalist | 600 | $597,890 |
| Semi-finalist | 400 | $332,160 |
| Quarter-finalist | 200 | $189,075 |
| Round of 16 | 100 | $103,225 |
| Round of 32 | 50 | $60,400 |
| Round of 64 | 30 | $35,260 |
| Round of 96 | 10 | $23,760 |
The Shanghai Masters has long been known for combining prestige, ranking opportunities, and substantial financial incentives. For a player like Vacherot, who entered the week as a qualifier with modest tour-level success, the $1.12 million prize and the historic milestone represent a career-defining moment. It’s a story of perseverance, skill, and seizing opportunity, underscoring why the Masters 1000 events are considered the crown jewels of professional tennis outside the Grand Slams.
Image Credit: Valentin Vacherot’s Official Instagram / @valvacherot
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