Former American player John Isner recently claimed that Valentin Vacherot’s Shanghai Masters triumph was more impressive than Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory. His remarks, however, sparked controversy online, with many fans criticizing his comparison and voicing their support for Raducanu.
How Did the Fans React to John Isner Comparing Emma Raducanu’s US Open Win to Valentin Vacherot’s Shanghai Glory?
Raducanu’s meteoric rise on the professional circuit began at the 2021 US Open, where, at just 18, she stunned the tennis world. She defied the odds and became the first qualifier (male or female) to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. Her triumph was made all the more remarkable by her flawless run, as she didn’t concede a single set throughout the tournament.
Vacherot, meanwhile, made history as the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 title. Entering the Shanghai Masters as an alternate in the qualifying rounds, he battled past Nishesh Basavareddy and Liam Draxl to secure his place in the main draw.
From there, the Monégasque embarked on a sensational run, defeating Laslo Djere, Alexander Bublik, Tomáš Macháč, and Tallon Griekspoor before stunning Holger Rune and four-time champion Novak Djokovic to reach the final. He capped off his fairytale campaign with a commanding win over his cousin, France’s Arthur Rinderknech, to lift the Shanghai Masters trophy.
Recently, former American player John Isner drew comparisons between the breakthrough runs of both players, but his choice to place Vacherot’s above Raducanu’s ignited controversy among fans.
“I think it is more impressive, yes. [For Raducanu] it’s a bigger story because it’s the US Open, but I think this is more improbable than what she did. I am giving it to Vacherot there. It’s just unheard of,” he said on the recent episode of the Nothing Major Podcast.
His comments drew a wave of reactions from the fans, with one writing:
“People are so twisted when it comes to Raducanu. She won a slam. Her win as a qualifier >>>”
People are so twisted when it comes to Raducanu. She won a slam. Her win as a qualifier >>>
— Prerana K (@Prey_bhatt) October 15, 2025
“this recency bias is ridiculous lol. emma won the us open as a QUALIFIER without dropping a single set. yes vacherot‘s run was impressive too but its nowhere near emma‘s achievement. thank you,” a fan chimed in.
A fan defended Raducanu, arguing that while Vacherot’s run was remarkable, it couldn’t compare to her unprecedented 2021 US Open triumph, achieved without a full-time coach or experience.
“Lol stop the cap. While Vacherot’s run was an incredible one, it’s nowhere close to Emma’s. Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run will forever be wild. An 18-year old qualifier who went through 10 matches without dropping a single set. No full-time coach. No tour-level experience,” they commented.
“Just a ridiculous biased statement lol.Tell me you underestimate women and think men’s tennis is superior without telling me,” another said.
Another fan questioned the need for such comparisons, suggesting Isner was set up with an unfair question.
“I mean, first of all, obviously not. But why is someone asking him this obvious “set up to fail” question? Why does there need to be a comparison?” They asked.
I mean, first of all, obviously not.
But why is someone asking him this obvious “set up to fail” question? Why does there need to be a comparison?
— Jac I guess (@JacCooper1) October 15, 2025
“I don’t respect any opinion from ‘john isner’” a fan said.
While Vacherot’s Shanghai Masters triumph marked a milestone in his Asian Swing, Raducanu failed to hit her stride. Concerns surrounded her form, and China’s sweltering heat and humidity only compounded her struggles. She managed a second-round finish at the Korea Open and a third-round exit at the China Open.
Her physical struggles were evident in Wuhan, where she was forced to retire after getting her vitals checked mid-match as the oppressive heat took its toll. A similar scene unfolded in Ningbo, where the Brit once again required medical attention and treatment for her lower back. Despite taking the opening set, she couldn’t regain her rhythm and ultimately fell to Zhu Lin in the first round.
