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Jannik Sinner’s coach praises Valentin Vacherot after surprise Shanghai Masters title

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Clarke | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 1:26 PM ET

Jannik Sinner’s hopes of finishing the year as world number one were ended after he lost to Tallon Griekspoor at the Shanghai Masters.

Sinner was forced to retire from the match due to severe cramping, opening the door for Carlos Alcaraz to finish the year at number one.

The ATP may have taken notice of what happened with Sinner in Shanghai, but his early departure did provide an opportunity for a new champion in a Masters 1000 event.

Meanwhile, Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, watched Sunday’s final between cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech.

Cahill is set to step away from coaching at the end of 2025. As it stands, there hasn’t been any indication that he plans to change course and remain with Sinner beyond then.

Darren Cahill congratulates Valentin Vacherot

Even among tennis die-hards, Valentin Vacherot wasn’t a familiar name before the Shanghai Masters. But that’s changed now. The Monaco representative has broken into the top 40 of the ATP rankings, and more people are starting to take notice of his game.

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Cahill posted on X: “An amazing effort. Well done to Valentin, and what a run/story by both finalists. Love these examples of perseverance and persistence. Great stuff.”

Vacherot had to fight his way through qualifying just to get into the main draw in Shanghai, so this past week will be one he remembers fondly for a long time.

Valentin Vacherot is the type of success story tennis needs

Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, so it’s important for the sport to see other faces winning the bigger 1000 events.

The ATP is dealing with two players dominating every part of the tour, and over time, more players need to break through and take some of the top honours.

Nobody’s predicting that Vacherot will suddenly start winning Grand Slams. But after his sharp rise up the rankings, there’s a real sense that he can make life difficult for top-tier opponents.

Vacherot has achieved a lifelong dream by winning a Masters 1000 event, and now he’ll be looking to gain even more experience at major tournaments in 2026.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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