“Our family WhatsApp group is buzzing a lot the past few days,” said a jubilant Arthur Rinderknech after etching his name in history books alongside cousin Valentin Vacherot earlier this week in Shanghai. The two ATP brothers have been having a dominant run at the Masters 1000 event. After sealing their spots in the quarterfinals for the first time, the men seem to have been working on a mutual nod to mimic each other’s campaigns – as long as they can. After his brother Vacherot earned a rare milestone on Thursday, Rinderknech has now mirrored him.

In an all-important quarterfinal clash on Friday, Frenchman Rinderknech bested Canadian pro Felix Auger-Aliassime. Contrary to expectations, the face-off proved to be one sided. Rinderknech didn’t give much breathing space to Aliassime while securing his ticket to the semis in Shanghai. In just an hour and 28 minutes, he won with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4.

With that, Rinderknech joined his cousin Vacherot who had also entered the semis after dismissing Holger Rune yesterday. It is a first for the family in which both Rinderknech and Vacherot are in the last four of the same event. Reacting to his amazing victory in the QF and matching Vacherot, Rinderknech had a special message. “I followed my cousin, you know, he is going through the emotions and I am trying to follow and do as good as him. It has been incredible since the beginning of the week. The whole family is following from the home.”

He continued, “We are in a little world here of our own. It has been incredible and today is a good performance from myself.” Reflecting on a straight-set victory, he concluded, “Happy to get the win. Two sets so I can be not too tired for tomorrow, that’s great.” There is also a very good chance of them facing each other eventually for the crown, should they win their respective semifinal matches.

While he is elated to have moved into the semis, previously he was worried for Vacherot. Especially during the quarterfinal stage. However, Vacherot’s win made him relieved.

Arthur Rinderknech reveals he was “stressed” for Valentin Vacherot

Prior to Friday’s battle, Arthur Rinderknech was trailing 0-2 in the H2H record against Aliassime. But it seems he has got some magical powers this week, enabling the Frenchman to overcome any kind of obstacle. After the latest win, he has improved the tally to 1-2. But most importantly, he is happy to have matched his cousin’s performance at the Shanghai Masters.

A day before, Rinderknech was concerned when Vacherot initially lost the first set against Rune in the QF stage. “I was stressing so much yesterday during his whole match,” he said, as reported by ATP Tour’s website on October 10. “I am not used to watching guys play on court and I wanted him to win so much.”

He continued, “I was so stressed but I didn’t want to show anything. I didn’t want to stress him. Today was a lot calmer for me on court.” Interestingly, Vacherot was there on the courtside to cheer for him against Aliassime.

The two brothers are having fun at the Masters 1000 event. On the other hand, Aliassime’s journey ahead has got tough. After the loss to Rinderknech, his hopes of entering the ATP Finals in Turin have taken a back seat. In the Live Race to Turin, Aliassime is currently on the 10th spot. He is behind Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti who is at the 8th position. Had he won the QF clash on Friday, the Canadian would have boosted his chances. As of now, they look bleak.

Coming back to the brothers, Vacherot will now face 24-time slam king Novak Djokovic in the semifinal on Saturday. As for Rinderknech, he will face the winner from Alex De Minaur and Daniil Medvedev’s QF battle.