Qualifier Valentin Vacherot reaches the semifinals in Shanghai. His cousin is also still in the tournament—and cheering him on.
(7:4), 6:4 against Denmark’s Holger Rune to reach the semifinals in the Chinese metropolis – and that as number 204 in the world rankings.
The only player with a lower ranking to reach the last four at a Masters tournament was American Chris Woodruff (550) in Indian Wells in 1999.
“It’s just incredible. The last victory meant so much to me. This one means even more,” said Vacherot: “I’m just so happy and living my dream.”
Tennis: In the top 100 for the first time
Vacherot, who will face Grand Slam record champion Novak Djokovic (Serbia) or Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the semifinals, will break into the top 100 for the first time thanks to his success.
Curiously, his French cousin Arthur Rinderknech, who defeated Alexander Zverev in the third round, is also still in the tournament in Shanghai.
“Our family WhatsApp group has been very active in recent days,” said Rinderknech, who was sitting in Vacherot’s box on Thursday and will face Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.
