Valentin Vacherot Hit With Prize Money Blow After Fairytale Shanghai Run

Valentin Vacherot is reportedly set to lose a huge amount of his Shanghai Masters prize money after a fairytale run.

This week, the ATP calendar continued with the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, China.

Heading into the event, world number two Jannik Sinner was the favourite after Carlos Alcaraz opted to skip the tournament.

However, the Italian was forced to retire from his round of 32 match against Tallon Griekspoor due to cramp.

Multiple players suffered under the extreme heat in Shanghai, as the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune all struggled.

Eventually, Vacherot announced himself on the world stage as he dismissed the likes of Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, Griekspoor and Rune to seal a date with Djokovic in the semi-final.

Against Djokovic, Vacherot continued his fine form as he beat the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-4.

In the final, Vacherot took on his cousin Arthur Rinderknech, who also embarked on a fairytale run to the final.

After dropping the first set, Monegasque Vacherot dug deep to seal his maiden ATP1000 title by winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Valentin Vacherot won the 2025 Shanghai Masters title. Image: Getty

As a result, Vacherot earned a whopping prize money of $1,124,380 and he is also set to enter the world's top 40 when the ranking is updated on Monday.

However, as reported by Tennis Companion, the 26-year-old is set to lose parts of his prize money due to tax.

Vacherot could be taxed as much as 45% after winning the Shanghai Masters.

The report stated: "China’s government taxes all player earnings at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, reaching as high as 45%."

Speaking after his victory, Vacherot said: "It is unreal what just happened. I have no idea what is happening right now. I am not even dreaming, it is just crazy.

"I am just so happy with my performances the past two weeks. I just want to thank everyone who has helped with my career since the beginning. There has to be one loser but I think there is two winners today, one family that won. And I think for the sport of tennis, the story is unreal."