In a heartwarming turn of events following Valentin Vacherot’s stunning victory at the Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025, the tennis world witnessed an emotional moment that stole the spotlight. The 204th-ranked qualifier from Monaco, who defied all odds to claim the Masters 1000 title, shared a deeply personal celebration with his girlfriend, Emily Snyder, as they announced they are expecting their first child. The announcement, made on the court amidst roaring cheers, left fans and fellow players in awe.
Vacherot’s improbable journey to the championship—defeating legends like Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final—culminated in a tearful embrace with Snyder. After lifting the trophy, Snyder, visibly emotional, whispered something to Vacherot, prompting him to break down in tears. The couple then turned to the crowd, where Snyder held up a small sign reading, “Baby Vacherot Coming Soon,” sending the stadium into a frenzy of applause and congratulations.
“I can’t believe this day,” Vacherot said in a post-match interview, his voice choked with emotion. “Thanks to everyone, I have this day today. This win, this moment—it’s for my family, my team, and now, our little one on the way.” The 25-year-old, who skyrocketed to No. 40 in the world rankings after the tournament, credited Snyder for being his rock throughout the grueling tournament, especially under the hot and humid conditions of Shanghai.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, given Vacherot’s underdog status and the intense focus on his on-court heroics. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, with hashtags like #VacherotVictory and #BabyVacherot trending worldwide. The couple’s chemistry—highlighted by Snyder’s constant presence in the stands and Vacherot’s frequent glances toward her during matches—had already captured hearts, but this news elevated their story to a new level.
Djokovic, despite his earlier comments about the match being affected by injury and weather, praised Vacherot’s resilience. “This is a deserved victory, and now with this beautiful news, it’s even more special,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said, adding a congratulatory hug for the couple. The tennis community echoed this sentiment, with players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek sending public well-wishes.
Snyder, a sports management graduate from the International University of Monaco, has been Vacherot’s steadfast supporter since their days together in the U.S. college tennis circuit. Her joyful reaction—tears mixed with laughter—as she joined Vacherot on court post-match kept fans glued to the scene. The pair’s subsequent dance and wave to the crowd, with Vacherot kissing Snyder’s hand, cemented their status as tennis’s newest power couple.
As the Shanghai Open concluded, the focus shifted from Vacherot’s historic win to the growing excitement around their future. With a baby on the way and a career-defining title in hand, Vacherot’s journey from qualifier to champion—and now to fatherhood—has become a tale of inspiration. Fans eagerly await the next chapter, with many speculating that “Baby Vacherot” might one day follow in the footsteps of this remarkable family.
For now, the couple plans to take a brief break before Vacherot returns to the court, with Snyder by his side, ready to cheer on their expanding family. The tennis world, it seems, has a new love story to celebrate.
