Shanghai Masters finalists both break down in tears as world No.204 beats his cousin

Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech both broke down in tears during the Shanghai Masters trophy presentation. Monegasque qualifier Vacherot made history in Sunday's final, beating his cousin, 54th-ranked Rinderknech, 4-6 6-3 6-3 to be crowned the Shanghai Masters champion.

The world No. 204 was already the lowest-ranked finalist in Masters 1000 history. Not only is he now the lowest-ranked champion at this level, he's also become the first player representing Monaco to win a tour-level singles title in the Open Era.

There were emotional scenes as Vacherot sealed victory with a winner, covering his face with his hands in disbelief before embracing Rinderknech at the net. The world No. 204 then raced into the stands to celebrate with his loved ones inside of his box, and wrote a touching message on the camera, saying: "Grandpa and grandma would be proud." But he mostly managed to keep his cool until the speeches got underway.

Vacherot and Rinderknech sat side-by-side on the same bench as the ceremony started, and it was Rinderknech's turn to address the crowd first. After thanking the fans and tournament organisers, he switched to French to congratulate Vacherot, and both men started sobbing.

The newly crowned champion bowed his head and cried as Rinderknech struggled to get through his speech, tears falling. Commentators translated his touching words, as the world No. 54 said: "To Valentin, who I love.

"Two cousins who gave everything, I'm so happy for you, I hope we're going to have more. This was a great week, we'll spend the rest of our lives talking about this week."

Rinderknech spoke through sobs as he paid tribute to the rest of their family and loved ones. He also gave a special shoutout to former top-10 player Lucas Pouille, who started coaching him earlier this year after being sidelined by an Achilles injury, and Pouille's wife and daughter.

"Thank you to Lucas, Lucas at home, we started and I was below the floor. Five months ago I was thinking about stopping tennis at some point because I wasn't seeing the point anymore, but you believed in me, you gave me a chance, you trusted me and here we are.

"Top 30 for the end of the season, and I hope it's only the beginning, I can't thank you enough, I can't thank Clemence, Rose enough. Rose gave me a lucky charm and I think it's a good one. Merci, Rose."

Then, it was Vacherot's turn to speak. The qualifier returned the favour, paying tribute to Rinderknech in French while the world No. 54 crouched at the back of the stage and cried.

"Big thanks to Arthur, I went to Texas A&M with you. I want to thank you. You helped me to live over there," the 26-year-old said. "It took me a while to follow you into the top 100 but now we'll be together, hopefully we can both stay there, thanks for everything. I couldn't have dreamed of a better final."

As Vacherot then turned his attention to his half-brother and coach, Benjamin Balleret, Rinderknech started cramping and fell off the stage. He was quickly given a chair, and the physio treated his legs.

Vacherot continued his speech, thanking his girlfriend, Emily Snyder. "Since three years now, I think the first matches she watched me play, I was playing ITF 15s, I don't even know where, losing first round," he explained.

"And now we're standing here. I started losing faith this year, I was telling her my biggest goal is to finish top 100, I started a little bit doubting it these past few months. She kept telling me, 'No, no, no, it's going to happen', and it's more than happening now, so thank you very much to you."