Shanghai Masters finalist falls off stage during trophy ceremony after losing to cousin
Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot made history at the Shanghai Masters, with the cousins going head-to-head in the final, but Rinderknech took a tumble during the trophy ceremony
Arthur Rinderknech tumbled off the platform whilst listening to his cousin, Valentin Vacherot, deliver his winner's address at the Shanghai Masters. The Frenchman appeared to lose momentum after claiming the opening set of their remarkable family showdown, with world No. 204 Vacherot fighting back to triumph 4-6 6-3 6-3.
Both cousins were in floods of tears as they honoured each other during their addresses as part of the trophy ceremony. However, as Vacherot moved on to acknowledge his half-brother and trainer, Benjamin, there was a loud crash.
Rinderknech, who was crouched at the rear of the platform, toppled over, with commentators wondering whether he was suffering from cramp. It was already a momentous day in Shanghai, as Vacherot, who progressed through qualifying, became the lowest-ranked player to reach a Masters 1000 final.
The world No. 204 faced off against his cousin, French ace Rinderknech. Before the match, both had declared that they had already triumphed, regardless of the outcome.
Yet it was Vacherot who achieved the impossible and concluded the tournament as champion. The trophy ceremony proved emotional, as both players wept during Rinderknech's address. Subsequently, it was Vacherot's moment.
The world No. 204 also delivered a tearful homage to his cousin, the runner-up. Rinderknech crouched on the ground and wept. But his body soon failed him, and he rolled off the rear of the platform.
Vacherot began chuckling but sprang into action and shouted: "I think we need some help please!" Staff members hurried to assist Rinderknech, with commentator Nick Lester suggesting: "Cramp maybe crept into Arthur Rinderknech's body."
Vacherot carried on with his speech, expressing gratitude to his team and girlfriend, while staff attended to Rinderknech, swiftly providing him a chair. As the newly-crowned champion continued speaking, the physio treated Rinderknech's thigh.
Once Vacherot had finished his address, the French star managed to stand again for photos before leaving his cousin to savour the moment. Despite delivering most of their speeches in French, Vacherot had already expressed to TV cameras his wish for two winners.
Immediately after being declared the champion, the stunned qualifier said: "I mean, just all like crying, it's just unreal. What just happened?
"I have no idea what's happening right now. I'm not in a dream, it's just crazy. I'm just so happy with my performance these last two weeks I just want to thank everyone that has put a brick in my career since the beginning.
"Sharing this final was really tough, there has to be one, but I think there's just two winners today, one family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal.
"I wish there could be two winners but unfortunately there's only one and, for myself, I'm happy it could be me."