For years, the Principality of Monaco has been better known for its luxurious lifestyle, iconic Formula 1 race, and stunning Mediterranean views than for producing top-level tennis players. But that may soon change, as Valentin Vacherot, a 26-year-old right-hander with a powerful serve and unwavering competitiveness, is steadily rewriting Monaco’s tennis history.
A tennis-centered upbringing
Born on Nov. 16, 1998 in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, Vacherot grew up in a tennis family. His cousin is French ATP player Arthur Rinderknech, and his half-brother and current coach is former Monegasque pro Benjamin Balleret.
That close connection to the sport shaped his early path. Though he didn’t have a lengthy junior career—his best ITF junior ranking was No. 440—he made his professional debut at just 15 years old in 2014, and earned his first ranking point the following year.
College tennis roots
Instead of turning pro full-time right away, Vacherot took a different route: U.S. college tennis. From 2016 to 2020, he represented Texas A&M University in College Station, where he also earned a business degree.
During that time, he played alongside his cousin Rinderknech, refining his all-court game and gaining valuable competitive experience in one of the strongest collegiate programs in the United States.
