2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters witness biggest dark horse run

As Monaco's Valentin Vacherot lifted the trophy high at the Qizhong Tennis Center on the evening of Oct 12, the Rolex Shanghai Masters witnessed probably the most unexpected and thrilling ATP Tour of the year.

Starting from the qualification rounds, world No 204 Vacherot embarked on a remarkable journey to win nine consecutive games, defeating five seeded players, including 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and his older cousin Arthur Rinderknech from France in the final.

"Two winners today, one family that won. The sport of tennis won as well because the story we just wrote is amazing," the 26-year-old said at the post-match media conference.

This astonishing run makes Vacherot not only the first player from Monaco to win an ATP Tour title but also the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP Masters 1000 title.