Emma Raducanu’s Historic US Open Win Played Down Amid £838k Payday Controversy
Emma Raducanu’s landmark 2021 US Open triumph—becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam—has been thrust back into the spotlight, with former world No. 8 John Isner controversially claiming it was “less impressive” than qualifier Valentin Vacherot’s 2025 Shanghai Masters title, sparking outrage among fans who accuse him of downplaying the British star’s achievement. The debate, ignited on the *Nothing Major* podcast on October 15, coincides with Vacherot banking a staggering **£838,000 ($1.1 million USD)** in prize money for his qualifier-to-champion run in Shanghai, a payday that dwarfs Raducanu’s 2021 US Open winnings of £1.8 million but has been used by critics to underscore the disparity in “improbability” between the feats. Isner’s remarks, intended as a “good question” discussion, have fueled accusations of recency bias and gender undertones, leaving fans furious and reaffirming Raducanu’s status as a trailblazer despite her ongoing struggles.
Isner’s Controversial Take: “More Impressive” for Vacherot
During the podcast, hosted by Isner alongside ex-pros Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock, the group compared Vacherot’s Shanghai miracle—upsetting Novak Djokovic in the semis and Arthur Rinderknech in the final—to Raducanu’s Flushing Meadows fairy tale. Vacherot, ranked No. 204 entering the tournament, shot up to No. 40 and pocketed £838k after a career total of just £445k prior. “I think it’s more impressive, yes,” Isner said, adding, “But Raducanu, it’s a bigger story because it’s the US Open, and she didn’t drop a set. I think this [Vacherot’s run] is more improbable than what she did.” He noted the Slam’s prestige but prioritized Vacherot’s “underdog” status.
Raducanu, then 18 and ranked No. 150, qualified through three matches, then won seven main-draw contests without dropping a set, defeating Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 in the final for £1.8 million and the youngest Grand Slam champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004. Isner’s view—echoing a “good question” from Querrey—has been slammed as “ridiculous” and “biased,” with fans arguing the Slam’s magnitude and Raducanu’s youth make it incomparable.
The Outrage: Fans Slam Isner for “Downplaying” Raducanu’s Feat
Social media erupted under #LeaveEmmaAlone, with fans defending Raducanu’s legacy. “Ridiculous claim—Emma was 18, no coach, no experience, won a SLAM as a QUALIFIER. Vacherot’s great, but not that,” one post with 150k likes raged. Another: “Isner’s downplaying a woman’s achievement? Shocker. Emma’s run changed tennis—£838k doesn’t erase that.” The £838k payday became a flashpoint, with critics noting Vacherot’s win “eclipsed” Raducanu’s earnings but ignored the Slam’s prestige and her cultural impact as a British-Asian trailblazer ending a 44-year title drought.
The backlash echoes Isner’s September claim that Vacherot’s Shanghai path was “more improbable,” which fans called “horrible” and “twisted.” “Emma can’t win—champion at 18, now ‘less impressive’? Sexist much?” tweeted a supporter. Raducanu, silent on the podcast, has faced similar shade, like trolls after her 2025 Ningbo exit (3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Lin Zhu).
Raducanu’s 2025: A Season of Setbacks
Raducanu’s year: 28 wins, No. 30 peak, Washington semifinals (first top-10 win since 2022), but nine straight top-50 losses and a nine-match top-10 skid since March. Her Ningbo first-round loss—after two medical timeouts for back pain—ended her season early, skipping Tokyo and Hong Kong for recovery. WTA Finals (November 2-9) are locked (No. 7 Race), where she defends 2024 semifinal points.
| Achievement | Raducanu (2021 US Open) | Vacherot (2025 Shanghai) |
|————-|————————-|————————–|
| Ranking Entering | No. 150 | No. 204 |
| Path | Qualifier + 7 main-draw wins; No sets dropped | Qualifier + 6 main-draw wins; Upset Djokovic |
| Prize Money | £1.8M | £838k |
| Impact | First qualifier Slam winner; Ended 44-year British women’s drought | Rose to No. 40; First Masters 1000 title |
Isner’s Intent and Tennis’s Gender Divide
Isner, a 16-time ATP winner, meant it as discussion, but fans see bias: “Nothing compares to Emma’s run—no full-time coach, no tour experience.” As Raducanu eyes Riyadh, her silence is power; Isner’s “downplay” a thorn. In tennis’s narrative wars, Raducanu’s story endures—unbeaten.
