Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot came within touching distance of a major doubles title at the Indian Wells Masters, but the Monegasque player ultimately had to settle for second place after falling in the final on Saturday, March 14.
Vacherot, partnering Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, were beaten 7–6, 6–3 by the duo of Manuel Guinard of France and Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi in the championship match of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event in California.
The final proved tightly contested, particularly in the opening set. Vacherot and Rinderknech matched their opponents game for game before the set was decided in a tie-break. Guinard and Andreozzi held their nerve to take the breaker 7–3, seizing the early advantage.
The second set remained competitive but the French-Argentine pair gradually took control, breaking serve at a key moment before closing out the match to secure the title.
Despite the defeat, the run to the final marks a notable performance for Vacherot, who continues to establish himself on the ATP circuit. The Indian Wells Masters, often referred to as the sport’s “fifth Grand Slam,” attracts the world’s best players, making a finals appearance a significant achievement.
Rinderknech, currently among France’s highest-ranked players, had also enjoyed a solid singles campaign earlier in the tournament before being eliminated in the third round by world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.
Both players are expected to continue their North American swing at the Miami Open, the next ATP Masters 1000 event, where Vacherot will look to build on the momentum from his deep run in California.
Image courtesy of Clive Brunskill