Sibling pairs have given tennis some of its most magical moments. Whether it was Serena Williams and Venus Williams winning their 14th doubles Grand Slam in 2016 while dominating in singles or the iconic Bryan Brothers chest bumping their way to title after title. And now the ongoing Shanghai Masters has witnessed its own moment of familial excellence. All thanks to Arthur Rinderknech and his cousin Valentin Vacherot. The two have made history together in China this week.

On Tuesday, Vacherot (ranked 204th in the world) confirmed a spot in his maiden ATP 1000 quarterfinal. He bested Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in an intense three-setter during the Round of 16 battle. A day later, his cousin brother and World No. 54 Arthur Rinderknech achieved a similar result as well. In his Round of 16 clash against Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka, Rinderknech won the match in straight sets on Wednesday. He has also reached the quarterfinal of a Masters tournament for the first time.

What makes the occasion special is that both Vacherot and Rinderknech have earned this milestone in the same event. After realizing that Vacherot also booked his place into the last eight, his cousin was thrilled. Following his match, Rinderknech wrote a message on the courtside camera’s lens that read, “I follow you Val” while drawing a heart.

Rinderknech and Vacherot, teammates during their time together at Texas A&M, have been the cause of their family’s “buzzing,” according to Rinderknech, WhatsApp group chat in these last few days. Interestingly enough, it isn’t a cousin duo but rather a trio, who are all enjoying the moment.

“We’re actually not two cousins but three cousins this week because his brother [Benjamin Balleret], my cousin also, is his coach, so we are all three together,” explained Rinderknech in what is undoubtedly one of the proudest moments for their family. Not only that but in the absence of Rinderknech’s coach, Lucas Pouille, it’s Balleret who’s been sitting in his box and helping out, making this a full-fledged family affair.

During his post-match interview, Rinderknech said of Vacherot, “He’s playing good tennis this week and has been playing great tennis for few years now. He just battled a few injuries, but whenever he’s playing he’s always doing great, so just a matter of time for him. I’m really happy and glad that he’s showing his best tennis this week. I hope and I think that’s only the beginning for him.”

Rinderknech also acknowledged the competitiveness of the ATP Tour, pointing out that, “Someone (ranked World No.204) like my cousin Valentin (Vacherot) is right now also in the quarter-final. Anybody can beat anybody.”

Well, this message may come in handy for Vacherot, whose next matchup is going to be tough. The 26-year-old from Monaco is set to face a Danish ATP star who has been in terrific form lately in Shanghai.

Holger Rune threat awaits Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters

Former World No. 4 Holger Rune has found his rhythm back at the Shanghai Masters this month. On Tuesday, he bested Frenchman and speedster Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in an intense battle.

Rune won the first set 6-4, but Perricard fought back and leveled the fight in the second. He dominated the Danish pro in a thrilling tiebreak. But Rune didn’t lose focus and made a remarkable recovery in the deciding set. With a final score line of 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, he made his place into the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals for the first time.

The feeling after winning this 2-hour-30-minute clash was special indeed. Rune made it evident in the post-match interview saying, “I managed to break him twice. He was serving very well today,” he told, as reported by ATP Tour’s website on October 7. Rune added, “he is a tough player to beat on this surface. The conditions were a bit better to play in today. I am very happy with my mindset today.”

Rune concluded with, “I stayed in there every point and I was a bit frustrated I lost the second set but I came back and was determined for the third set and managed to hold my nerve.”

In the last eight encounter against Valentin Vacherot, the World No.11 will look to extend the winning streak. It will be the first time they both will meet in an ATP tournament. Hence, one can’t assume who will emerge victorious eventually. Speaking of Vacherot, however, he will look to pull off an upset by besting the Danish star to continue his dream run at Shanghai Masters. Will he be able to do it? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.