Article by Luminița Paul – published Monday, October 13, 2025, 16:29 / Updated Monday, October 13, 2025 16:29
Valentin Vacherot (26 years old, 40th place atP) won the title in the Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai, an absolute and fascinating premiere for the Principality of Monaco. The performance drew attention to tennis in the small European state, the champion with a 10-minute discussion with Prince Albert II.
Valentin Vacherot's impossible to anticipate the SHanghai transformed the Principality of Monaco into a burning point-this time thanks to tennis, not formula 1 or lower taxes for residents.
Melanie-Antoinette de Massythe presidency of the specialized federation, the Masters 1000 tournament at Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo Country Club, traveled to China to attend the semifinals and the event, along with the director of Masters, David Massey. The two stood in Vacherot's lodge.
“I am very, very proud of him and I find no words to describe the feelings I have lived during the match“, De Massy told in a conversation for ATP after the last act.”He played incredibly well, and the match was extraordinary. I witnessed some amazing points, a fantastic tennis and I am very happy to be here. I am very happy to live this moment with him and very happy to attend this historical final”, She could not hold her joy.
Prince Albert II, 10-minute talk with Valentin Vacherot
De Massy revealed that during the last act he received almost non -stop messages, between these congratulations, encouragement for Valentin from home, but also requests for interviews.
Prince Albert II, a big fan of tennis, watched carefully and step by step the Monegascus player in the Shanghai tournament, sending messages to the president before and during the trophy party. Then she and the new champion talked to the head of state.
Valentin Vacherot, 204th place in the world, won the Masters 1000 tournament from Shanghai Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages
“I talked about 10-15 minutes after the match and was so excited then Prince Albert spoke with a wave for almost 10 minutes“, He revealed by Massy, adding that the number of messages after the final was almost 100.”The prince was very moved by the words of Val during the award of the premiere and proud of his results, gave interviews in the local press and congratulated the federation for the work done. The whole country is proud”, Melanie-Antoinette de Massy assured.
At the Monte Carlo Country Club, a party for members, but also for the best juniors in Monaco, was organized, all of them following the Shanghai final. Also, the game was designed on a giant screen, everything being organized by the City Hall, as at the Grand Formula 1 prize.
Shortly after the end of the match, Vacherot placed his flag on his shoulders, before the premiere ceremony began. He reflected on his historical achievement and its significance for the state of Monaco.
“Just hold the flag and I can do this for my country is of course unreal“, Said Vacherot, who climbed from 204 to 40 in the ATP standings.”I only think of our small federation, our small country, one of the smallest countries in the world. Probably the slightest federation. We do not have many players, and now we have a Masters 1000 title for simple, two Masters 1000 doubles with Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo – plus a Grand Slam final for Hugo at the Australian Open two years ago – and what we managed to achieve for Monaco is incredible. I hope we all proud of us and I hope to continue on this road“He said, excited.
Hugo Nys He ranks 19th in the double ranking and reached the best position in his career, 12th place, in June 2023. He won his most important title at Masters 1000 in Rome that year and was also a finalist at the Australian Open in 2023.
Romain Arneodo, winner of two double titles this season, ranks 45th in the double ranking, after reaching 38th in August, the best in his career.
Romain Arneodo (right) and Manuel Guinard with the trophies from Monte Carlo, along with Prince Albert and the President of the Photo Federation: Imago Images
Earlier this year, at the Monte Carlo Masters Masters, the Monegasc player of French origin entered history, winning the double title with the Frenchman Manuel Guinard. Arneodo thus became the first currency to conquer the double title at Monte Carlo.
