Photo by: Greg Sharko
Rinderknech, Vacherot Advance to Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals
Oct 08, 2025 | Men's Tennis
SHANGHAI – Former Texas A&M men's tennis players Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot have both advanced to the quarterfinals at the Shanghai Masters for the first time in their careers.
"Arthur and Val are two great Aggies," said Texas A&M head coach Steve Denton, who recruited and trained both players in Aggieland. "They are part of a long line of successful Aggies at the professional level, who have always done it the right way and are being rewarded right now. They love the Aggies, were great teammates while they were here and are extremely passionate about their tennis. Arthur and Val's professional approach to their craft is paying great dividends. They are awesome ambassadors for our tennis program, and I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments as they showcase their talent on the world stage."
Vacherot, the only player left from the qualifying draw, faced the 27-seed Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in the round of 16. After dropping the first set, the Monaco native was able to come back to clinch the victory, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4.
Rinderknech faced the 15-seed Jiri Lehecka of Czechia in the round of 16. The Frenchman went on to top Lehecka in straight-sets, 6-3, 7-6 (5).
"I'm so happy for Val and Arthur," associate head coach Kevin O'Shea said. "Barney (former player and current assistant coach Barnaby Smith) and I talk about them all the time and we really aren't surprised because they both have such deep-seeded confidence. They have always believed they were going to win every match they play. I believe these two are just getting started. They are both very humble and kind. Love these guys!"
"I couldn't be any prouder and more excited for Arthur and Val," assistant coach Barnaby Smith said. "I was fortunate enough to be teammates with both of them. Not only are the great tennis players, but they are also amazing people who lead by example. They are the perfect representation of the Aggie spirit."
Vacherot will face 10-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark in the quarterfinals while Rinderknech will face off against 12-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thman.com for more information on Texas A&M men's tennis. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M men's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram/Threads and X by following @AggieMTEN.
"Arthur and Val are two great Aggies," said Texas A&M head coach Steve Denton, who recruited and trained both players in Aggieland. "They are part of a long line of successful Aggies at the professional level, who have always done it the right way and are being rewarded right now. They love the Aggies, were great teammates while they were here and are extremely passionate about their tennis. Arthur and Val's professional approach to their craft is paying great dividends. They are awesome ambassadors for our tennis program, and I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments as they showcase their talent on the world stage."
Vacherot, the only player left from the qualifying draw, faced the 27-seed Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in the round of 16. After dropping the first set, the Monaco native was able to come back to clinch the victory, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4.
Rinderknech faced the 15-seed Jiri Lehecka of Czechia in the round of 16. The Frenchman went on to top Lehecka in straight-sets, 6-3, 7-6 (5).
"I'm so happy for Val and Arthur," associate head coach Kevin O'Shea said. "Barney (former player and current assistant coach Barnaby Smith) and I talk about them all the time and we really aren't surprised because they both have such deep-seeded confidence. They have always believed they were going to win every match they play. I believe these two are just getting started. They are both very humble and kind. Love these guys!"
"I couldn't be any prouder and more excited for Arthur and Val," assistant coach Barnaby Smith said. "I was fortunate enough to be teammates with both of them. Not only are the great tennis players, but they are also amazing people who lead by example. They are the perfect representation of the Aggie spirit."
Vacherot will face 10-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark in the quarterfinals while Rinderknech will face off against 12-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thman.com for more information on Texas A&M men's tennis. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M men's tennis team on Facebook, Instagram/Threads and X by following @AggieMTEN.
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