John Isner’s Controversial Take on Emma Raducanu Sparks Fan Outrage: “Leave Her Alone”
Former American tennis star John Isner has ignited a firestorm of backlash after claiming that qualifier Valentin Vacherot’s 2025 Shanghai Masters victory was “more impressive” than Emma Raducanu’s historic 2021 US Open triumph, a comparison that fans have branded “ridiculous,” “controversial,” and “horrible.” The 40-year-old, a former world No. 8 and four-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, made the comments on the Nothing Major podcast with fellow ex-pros Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock, dismissing Raducanu’s feat as less improbable despite her unprecedented run as an 18-year-old qualifier who won the entire Slam without dropping a set. Isner’s opinion, shared on October 15, 2025, has drawn widespread fury, with supporters accusing him of bias and undervaluing women’s achievements, amplifying the scrutiny on Raducanu amid her ongoing struggles.
The Controversial Claim: Vacherot’s Win “More Impressive”
Isner, reflecting on Vacherot’s shock run to the Shanghai title—defeating Novak Djokovic and Arthur Rinderknech en route—compared it to Raducanu’s 2021 US Open miracle. “I think it’s more impressive, yes,” Isner stated, 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 elaborated that while Raducanu’s victory was a “bigger story,” Vacherot’s qualifier-to-champion path in a Masters 1000 event edged it for sheer unlikelihood, despite the Slam’s prestige.
Raducanu, then ranked No. 150 and 18 years old, became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam, navigating 10 matches (seven main draw) without dropping a set, defeating Sara Sorribes Tormo, Shelby Rogers, Belinda Bencic, Maria Sakkari, and Leylah Fernandez in the final 6-4, 6-3. Vacherot, 28 and ranked No. 204, upset Djokovic in the quarters but faced a less star-studded draw. Isner’s take, while acknowledging the US Open’s magnitude, prioritized “improbability” over legacy, igniting accusations of recency bias and undervaluing Raducanu’s underdog narrative.
Fan Fury: “Ridiculous,” “Horrible,” and “Twisted”
The backlash was swift and fierce, with fans flooding social media to defend Raducanu. On X (formerly Twitter), one user fumed: “Leave Emma Raducanu alone. These people must leave her alone.” Another labeled it a “ridiculous claim,” arguing: “Emma was 18 and had just finished school. She was a rookie and a qualifier who won without losing a set. A Slam. Bigger than a 28-year-old qualifier winning a Masters.” A third called it “a ridiculous biased statement lol. Tell me you underestimate women and think men’s tennis is superior without telling me.”
Critics highlighted recency bias and gender undertones: “People are so twisted when it comes to Emma Raducanu,” one posted, while another quipped: “Firstly, I am not interested in what John Isner thinks about anything.” Some defended Isner, noting Vacherot’s draw included Djokovic, but the majority slammed the comparison as “horrible” and “controversial,” with #LeaveEmmaAlone trending with 150k mentions. “Emma’s run was unheard of—no full-time coach, no tour-level experience,” a fan countered, emphasizing the 44-year British women’s Slam drought Raducanu ended.
Raducanu’s 2025: A Season of Setbacks Amid Scrutiny
Raducanu’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster of progress and pain, with 28 wins and a career-high No. 30 ranking but marred by nine straight top-50 losses and a nine-match top-10 skid since March. Her Ningbo Open first-round loss to Lin Zhu on October 14—after two medical timeouts for back pain and blood pressure—led to an early season end, skipping Tokyo and Hong Kong to prioritize the WTA Finals in Riyadh (November 2-9). “The conditions are brutal, and my body’s not responding,” she admitted, her Wuhan retirement the previous week highlighting heat intolerance.
Isner’s call, amid this backdrop, feels like salt in the wound, with fans accusing it of diminishing her underdog story. Raducanu, who shut down similar shade in 2024 with “jealous much?” on trolls, has stayed silent on Isner’s take, focusing on recovery under coach Francisco Roig. “Emma’s a fighter—history speaks for itself,” said Annabel Croft on Sky Sports.
Isner’s Intent: A “Good Question” Gone Wrong
Isner, a 16-time ATP title winner, was responding to a “good question” from Querrey about comparing the runs, but his “giving it to Vacherot” landed as controversial. “USO is a slam, but you just have to look at who was playing that year,” he added, implying Raducanu’s 2021 field (no Djokovic, Nadal, Federer) lessened it. Fans countered: “Nothing compares to Raducanu’s run—qualifier, no set dropped, Slam at 18.” As a retired pro, Isner’s opinion carries weight, but the uproar highlights tennis’s sensitivity to Raducanu’s narrative amid her battles.
| Player | Achievement | Age at Time | Key Fact |
|——–|————-|————-|———-|
| Emma Raducanu | 2021 US Open Champion | 18 | First qualifier to win a Slam; No sets dropped |
| Valentin Vacherot | 2025 Shanghai Masters Champion | 28 | Upset Djokovic; Qualifier to title |
The Bigger Debate: Underdog Stories and Gender Bias
Isner’s take reignites discussions on comparing men’s and women’s feats, with fans accusing “recency bias” and “misogyny.” “Emma’s run changed women’s tennis—Vacherot’s great, but not that,” tweeted a supporter. As Raducanu eyes the WTA Finals, her silence is power; Isner’s call, the fuel for her fire. In tennis’s narrative wars, Raducanu’s story endures—unbeaten.
