In a Principality where excellence is a way of life, Valentin Vacherot embodies the quiet determination and discipline that define Monaco’s sporting spirit. In 2025, Vacherot became the first player from Monaco to win an ATP Tour singles.
Valentin Vacherot was born in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France to parents Josse and Nadine Vacherot, and grew up skiing before deciding to pursue tennis. Raised in the Principality of Monaco, the Monégasque tennis player has steadily carved his path on the international circuit, proving that world-class ambition can emerge from even the smallest of countries.
Valentin’s relationship with tennis began early. Growing up in Monaco, he spent countless hours on the courts of his home club, a place that remains deeply symbolic for him today.
Do you remember your first experiences with tennis in Monaco, and when you realized it could become a professional path?
“I started playing tennis very early, but the moment I really remember is when I was around nine or ten years old. That’s when I began to feel that I was actually playing good tennis. I was training here every day in Monaco, and it slowly became more serious.
What’s special for me is that the club hasn’t really changed. I’ve been here since I was a child, and growing up in the same environment created a lot of amazing memories. Looking back, those early years were truly the foundation of everything that followed,” – starts Valentin.
Those formative years, spent in a familiar environment with the same courts and routines, laid the foundation for his professional mindset. Monaco was not just where he lived; it was where his discipline was shaped.
Which athletes - tennis or otherwise - have inspired you throughout your journey?
“In tennis, without hesitation, it was Roger Federer when I was growing up. He was the reference for me.
Outside of tennis, I’ve always loved football and I watch it a lot, but I’ve never had one specific player as an idol. I simply enjoy watching high-level football, the quality of the game itself.
In other sports, there isn’t one athlete who immediately comes to mind. For me, Federer was really the main inspiration.”
What does it mean to you to represent Monaco on the international tennis circuit?
“It’s very special. Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, with very few athletes competing at the international level. That makes representing the Principality even more meaningful.
When I play, I really feel that I’m carrying something bigger than myself. I felt it particularly strongly in Shanghai, where I sensed a lot of support behind me. Of course, every country has its fans, but when you come from such a small nation, you feel an extra responsibility and pride.
You want to do it for the country, to represent the flag and show Monaco to the world.”
Competing internationally while carrying the Monaco flag is something Valentin does not take lightly. That feeling was particularly strong during his breakthrough run in Shanghai in 2025.
After years of steady effort, his performance in Shanghai marked a turning point.
How could it happen that, in just one week - after so many efforts over the last year - you succeeded to perform and get your play to 100%, all at once and so suddenly?
“Of course, what happened in Shanghai was quite spectacular. But it wasn’t something that came out of nowhere.
I felt like I clicked into the tournament match by match. From the very beginning, I was playing well, even though I had to go through two or three tough matches early on. One opponent retired, and suddenly I found myself already in the round of 16.
From that point on, everything came together. There was a bit of magic, a bit of luck, and genuinely good tennis. Physically, I felt very strong, probably stronger than some of the players I faced, and that made a real difference.
It was the result of consistency, confidence building throughout the week, and being ready when the opportunity finally presented itself.”
A mix of physical readiness, confidence, favourable circumstances, and a bit of luck carried him deep into the tournament. More importantly, it confirmed something essential: on a good day, his level matches that of the very best.
Do you have any secret routine or something special you eat before the game?
“No, I don’t really have any secret routine. There’s nothing extraordinary. Like most players, I have my own habits, but everyone’s routine is different.
It’s mainly about doing the warm-ups I’m comfortable with, listening to music to get into the right mindset, and having a coffee just before the match. That’s pretty much it.
Nothing crazy, just simple things that help me feel ready and focused.”
Since that breakthrough, Valentin has noticed a shift in how other players perceive him.
Do the other players look at you differently since the win in Shanghai?
“Yes, of course. I think players look at me a bit differently now. Before, some of the top guys didn’t really know who I was. Now they know what I’m capable of.
They know that I have the level to win, even at a Masters 1000 tournament. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days, but when I’m having a good day, my level is that of a big-tournament winner.
At the same time, in tennis, when you start to fear an opponent, you also prepare more seriously. Players become more focused and more ready for adversity. So I expect many of them to bring their best level when they play against me, because they want to beat me,” – laughs Valentin.
What have been the key milestones in your career so far that you are most proud of? Are there specific tournaments or locations that hold special meaning for you?
“There have been several key moments that really stand out for me.
Playing in Monaco for the first time four years ago was incredibly special. It was my first professional match in my home country, and that alone made it unforgettable. Then, in 2025, winning my first match here in Monaco was another very emotional milestone.
Another moment I’m extremely proud of was winning my first Davis Cup match for Monaco in 2021. Representing my country in that setting was something truly special and meaningful to me.
Of course, Shanghai is also a major highlight, as well as 2023, when I won three Challenger tournaments in a row. Winning back-to-back-to-back like that was very impressive for me personally and confirmed that I was moving in the right direction.
Those moments are the ones that really define my journey so far.”
In an era dominated by power and two-handed backhands, Valentin represents a rarer profile. Still, he adapts intelligently across surfaces.
Is there a reason, or more than one, why one‑handed backhand players are disappearing from the Top 100?
“Yes, there are a few reasons, but the main one is how the game has evolved. Courts have become slightly slower, which gives players more time to hit harder. As a result, the overall pace and physical intensity of the game have increased.
With a one-handed backhand, you generally need a bit more time to set up the shot, and in today’s faster, more powerful game, that can be a disadvantage. That’s probably why we see fewer one-handed backhand players in the Top 100 now.
There are still a few, of course, but overall, this evolution of the game explains the decline.”
With recognition comes a new challenge: opponents arrive more prepared, more focused. It’s a reality Valentin embraces as part of his growth.
Valentin Vacherot with 4 times Italian tennis champion, Antonio Bertelli
How do you see the next season on the clay for your characteristics which are probably more effective on the hard courts? Do you feel the need to provide any changes to your game?
“I actually love clay as much as hard courts. As a tall player who likes to hit hard, I need a bit of time to set up my shots. That’s why I enjoy hard courts that aren’t too fast, but also not too slow.
Clay suits me well because it offers a balance between speed and control. It’s a mix of fast and slow, which allows me to build points while still being aggressive. I really enjoy playing on it and I have a lot of fun on clay.
It’s also a special surface for me, as it’s the one we play on here in Monaco. For now, I don’t feel the need to completely change my game, but rather to keep adapting and fine-tuning my strengths depending on the conditions.”
Monaco is often associated with glamour, but elite sport requires sacrifice. How do you balance training with life in such a unique environment?
“Monaco is glamorous, but in my daily life there isn’t much glamour during the season. Right now, for example, it’s all about training and preparing. During the week, my routine is very strict: I leave my apartment early in the morning, train all day, and come back in the evening. There’s no room for distractions if you want to perform at the highest level.
I only really enjoy Monaco on my off day, usually on Sunday. That’s when I might go for a coffee, do a bit of shopping, or have dinner with my girlfriend. But those moments are limited, and I’m fine with that.
It may sound a bit harsh, but to succeed in elite sport you have to become almost like a robot; disciplined, focused, and fully committed. You can’t constantly think about everything the city offers. The priority has to be tennis.
When there is a true day off, that’s when I allow myself to enjoy life a bit more. But it’s usually just one day a week, and that balance is exactly what allows me to stay focused and perform.”
How important is Monaco’s support system – family, federation, and local institutions – in your development as an athlete?
“The support system in Monaco is extremely important for me. It’s a small country, and that makes the support feel very personal. I really realised it during the tournament in Shanghai. I was receiving so many videos and messages from friends, former classmates, and people from my club in Monaco who were watching my matches on TV.
At the beginning of the tournament, there were maybe 20 people gathered at the club watching. By the round of 16, it had grown significantly, and by the final there were around 200 people. Seeing that progression was quite emotional and honestly very motivating.
That’s how Monaco support feels in general: you truly feel that people are behind you. Whether it’s during Davis Cup matches here, or when I play at the Masters in Monaco, there are always familiar faces in the stands. It really feels like playing at home.
Monaco genuinely loves sport. There are so many sporting events here, and that’s not a coincidence. Being named World Capital of Sport reflects that passion. For an athlete, growing up and developing in an environment like this – where sport is valued, supported, and celebrated – makes a huge difference.”
What are your short-term and long-term goals on the ATP circuit?
“In the long term, my goal is to establish myself in the Top 50 and stay there for as many years as possible. Consistency at that level is what really defines a successful career on the ATP circuit.
In the short term, I want to win another title, no matter which tournament it is, and continue building momentum. Reaching the second week of a Grand Slam is also a clear objective.
Above all, it’s about winning as many matches as possible and keeping my ranking as high as I can. Every match counts, and consistency is the key.”
When you’re not on the court, how do you relax and recharge in Monaco?
“First of all, I sleep a lot. Recovery is essential, so I really try to listen to my body and rest as much as possible, especially in the mornings.
When I do have some free time, I keep things simple: spending quiet moments in Monaco, having a coffee, walking around, or enjoying time with my close circle. Nothing extravagant, just calm, normal moments that help me reset mentally and physically.”
Do you have any favourite period of the year in Monaco?
“My favourite time of the year in Monaco is definitely Christmas. There’s something really special about the atmosphere during that period.
The Casino area in particular becomes magical. All the decorations, the lights, the shop windows, everything feels warm and festive. It’s probably the only time of the year when I really take the time to enjoy that part of Monaco properly, walking around, looking for Christmas gifts, and soaking in the atmosphere.
It’s a beautiful moment, calmer in a way, and it makes the Principality feel even more special.”
Do you have any favourite restaurants you like to go to?
“I really like the restaurants around the Casino area. Places like Amazónico, for example, the food is very good and the atmosphere is great.
It’s a nice area to relax, enjoy a good meal, and just chill a bit when I have some free time.”
How do you define success at this stage of your career?
“At this stage of my career, I don’t define success purely by titles. Of course, what happened in Shanghai was incredible, but I’m realistic, moments like that don’t happen five times a year. I hope they do, but tennis doesn’t work that way.
For me, success is about giving 110% in every single match, mentally and physically. Even on days when you’re not playing well, you have to keep fighting, keep pushing, and stay fully committed.
On the ATP Tour, if you do that consistently, you’ll always find ways to win matches, especially when others might struggle mentally. Success is really about finding solutions on difficult days, not only shining on the good ones.
At the end of the season, when you look at your ranking, it’s not just the one great week where everything clicks and you reach a semifinal or final. It’s also all the small points you collect in tough matches throughout the year. Those are the points that make the difference between being ranked 20 or 30 in the world instead of 70 or 80.
That’s my definition of success: showing up every day, giving everything I have, and building consistency over time, not just chasing trophies.”
Do you see yourself as a role model for young athletes growing up in Monaco?
“Yes, I really hope so. And I think it has already started to happen.
Since Shanghai, several parents have come up to me telling me that their kids want to play much more tennis now, that they feel more motivated after seeing what happened. That’s something very special for me, because if my journey can inspire young players to believe more in themselves, then it already means a lot.
Many of them reached out to congratulate me and told me, ‘Thank you for giving us hope.’ Before Shanghai, I was ranked around 200 as well, and moments like this didn’t seem realistic.
Now, following my examples, maybe some players will think: ‘Okay, I might not win a Masters 1000, but maybe I can reach a round of 16, a quarterfinal, or move from 200 to 100.’
If my experience can give others ideas, motivation, and belief that progress is possible, then that’s something I’m very proud of.”
What advice would you give to young tennis players in Monaco who dream of turning professional?
“My main advice would be not to think about becoming a professional too early. When you are young, you shouldn’t be obsessed with hitting the perfect forehand or backhand all the time. The most important thing at the beginning is to play with passion, to have fun, and to enjoy tennis with your friends.
At a young age, tennis should first be about pleasure. That’s how the love for the sport really grows.
Then, around 13, 14 or 15 years old, you can start to become more focused. That’s when you begin developing your game more seriously, but also your mental strength, which is just as important as the technical side.
Depending on how good you are, once you reach 16, 17 or 18, that’s the moment to fully commit. If your goal is to become a professional, you need to focus completely on tennis and avoid getting distracted by what’s happening around you.
Tennis is a tough sport, mentally and physically, but that discipline and focus are exactly what’s required if you want to reach a high level. There’s no shortcut, you have to stay patient, passionate, and fully committed.”
With clear goals –to remain in the Top 50 long term and continue advancing in Grand Slams– Valentin is building a career rooted in patience and purpose.
As Valentin Vacherot continues his journey on the international stage, Monaco follows every step with pride. With his discipline, humility and unwavering commitment, he represents far more than results on a scoreboard: he embodies the values of the Principality itself. We wish him a season filled with health, confidence and consistency, and many more moments where preparation meets opportunity. One match at a time, Monaco is firmly behind him.