The brutally hot and humid conditions had been a huge talking point throughout the fortnight in Shanghai. In the end, it was Vacherot and Rinderknech who came through a survival of the fittest, both winning several matches from a set down.
But even Rinderknech eventually struggled. By the third set of the final, he was clearly fatigued. And the cramps set in at the worst time.
Rinderknech crouched to the floor, sobbing as Vacherot paid tribute to him during his victory speech. The newly crowned champion had then moved on to thanking his coach and half-brother, Benjamin Balleret, when there was a thud.
The 30-year-old had started cramping and fell off the back of the stage. Vacherot laughed before calling for help, and staff rushed over and got Rinderknech a chair. The physio treated him while Vacherot finished his speech.
Rinderknech has now spoken out, explaining that he had his limits, though he was impressed with his physical resilience throughout the tournament.
“Right now, I have to digest this fortnight, we have to talk about everything, get back on track. Take the time to recharge, too,” the new world No. 28 told L’Equipe.
“Between the US Open, the Davis Cup indoor series, the outdoor hard court stint in Asia, a tour during which it was extremely hot… My physique is there, it’s very good, but I obviously have limits, like everyone else.
“I managed to respond, mentally too. And tennis-wise, there are still plenty of things to improve, which is extremely encouraging. I can’t wait to continue the adventure.”
Vacherot was also pleasantly surprised by how well he handled the heat in Shanghai. Giving an update after Rinderknech fell off the stage, he said: “Yeah, yeah, he’s okay. It was just a little bit of cramping.
“As everyone knows, this whole week was really hard for everyone. Really hot, really humid. And, yeah, I mean, really surprised, and really happy how I cooperate with that.
“And, yeah, it brought a bit a little bit of laughing on the stage after how emotional it got, to see him down. But thank god he’s okay. He has just some cramps. And, yeah, I think he’s already on the plane now.”
