Shanghai Masters runner-up falls off stage during trophy ceremony as rival pleads for help

Arthur Rinderknech fell off the stage while listening to his cousin, Valentin Vacherot, give his victory speech at the Shanghai Masters. The Frenchman seemed to run out of steam after taking the first set of their fairytale family final, and world No. 204 Vacherot stormed back to win 4-6 6-3 6-3.

The cousins were both in tears as they paid tribute to one another during their speeches as part of the trophy presentation. But as Vacherot moved on to thank his half-brother and coach, Benjamin, there was a thud. Rinderknech, who was crouching at the back of the stage, fell down, with commentators questioning whether he was cramping.

It was already a historic day in Shanghai, as Vacherot, who came through qualifying, was the lowest-ranked man to contest a Masters 1000 final. The world No. 204 took on his cousin, French star Rinderknech. Ahead of the match, they'd both explained that they had already won, no matter what happened.

But it was Vacherot who pulled off the unthinkable and ended the tournament as the champion. The trophy ceremony was emotional, as both men broke down in tears during Rinderknech's speech.

Then, it was Vacherot's turn. The world No. 204 also paid a tearful tribute to his cousin, the runner-up. Rinderknech crouched on the floor and sobbed. But his body soon gave way, and he rolled off the back of the stage.

Vacherot started laughing but took action and called out: "I think we need some help please!"

Members of staff rushed over to help Rinderknech up, and commentator Nick Lester said: "Cramp maybe crept into Arthur Rinderknech's body."

Vacherot continued his speech, thanking his team and his girlfriend. All the while, staff were tending to Rinderknech and quickly got him a chair to sit on. The physio treated his thigh as the newly-crowned champion kept talking.

The French star managed to get back up once Vacherot had finished speaking, and they posed for pictures together before Rinderknech left his cousin to soak it all in.

Although they both gave most of their speeches in French, Vacherot had already told TV cameras that he wished there could have been two winners.

Speaking immediately after being crowned the champion, the shell-shocked qualifier said: "I mean, just all like crying, it's just unreal. What just happened? I have no idea what's happening right now. I'm not in a dream, it's just crazy. I'm just so happy with my performance these last two weeks i just want to thank everyone that has put a brick in my career since the beginning.

"Sharing this final was really tough, there has to be one, but I think there's just two winners today, one family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal. I wish there could be two winners but unfortunately there's only one and, for myself, I'm happy it could be me."