Emma Raducanu vs. Leylah Fernandez: Career Trajectories Since the 2021 US Open Final
The 2021 US Open women’s final between 18-year-old qualifier Emma Raducanu and 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez was a generational showdown that captivated the tennis world, pitting two unseeded teens against each other in a match that launched both into stardom. Raducanu won 6-4, 6-3 to claim her first (and so far only) Grand Slam title, while Fernandez’s fairy-tale run to the final solidified her as a rising star. Since that September day in New York, both players have navigated the highs and lows of professional tennis, but their paths have diverged significantly. Raducanu has battled injuries and inconsistency, while Fernandez has shown steadier growth despite her own challenges. Below, we compare their records, rankings, titles, and key milestones from late 2021 through October 2025, based on WTA data.
Head-to-Head and Overall Records
Raducanu and Fernandez have faced each other twice since the final, with Fernandez leading 1-1. Their meetings have been competitive, reflecting their similar styles—aggressive baseline play with strong mental fortitude.
| Metric | Emma Raducanu | Leylah Fernandez |
|——–|—————|——————|
| **H2H vs. Opponent (since 2021)** | 1-1 (lost 2023 Indian Wells R32 6-4, 3-6, 6-4; won 2024 Eastbourne R16 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1) | 1-1 |
| **Career Win-Loss (main draw, since Oct 2021)** | 92-62 (59.7% win rate) | 108-74 (59.3% win rate) |
| **2025 Win-Loss** | 28-18 (60.9%) | 22-20 (52.4%) |
Raducanu edges Fernandez in 2025 win percentage, but Fernandez has played more matches, showing greater durability.
Rankings Evolution
Both started 2025 outside the top 100 but have climbed steadily. Raducanu’s peak was No. 28 in July 2025, while Fernandez reached No. 26 in March 2025. As of October 20, 2025, Raducanu sits at No. 30 (1,546 points), while Fernandez is No. 42 (1,020 points).
| Year | Raducanu End-of-Year Rank | Fernandez End-of-Year Rank |
|——|—————————|—————————-|
| **2021** (post-USO) | No. 24 | No. 13 |
| **2022** | No. 75 | No. 35 |
| **2023** | No. 67 | No. 55 |
| **2024** | No. 55 | No. 38 |
| **2025** (current) | No. 30 | No. 42 |
Raducanu’s trajectory has been more volatile due to injuries, but her 2025 surge (from No. 135 in January) outpaces Fernandez’s steady climb.
#### Titles and Finals
Raducanu has two WTA titles since 2021, while Fernandez has four, demonstrating Fernandez’s edge in consistency.
| Player | WTA Titles (since 2021) | Finals Reached | Most Recent Title |
|——–|————————|—————-|——————-|
| **Emma Raducanu** | 2 (Washington 2023, Nottingham 2024) | 4 | Nottingham (WTA 250, 2024) |
| **Leylah Fernandez** | 4 (Monterrey 2022, Hong Kong 2023, Merida 2024, Birmingham 2025) | 6 | Birmingham (WTA 250, 2025) |
Fernandez’s titles are mostly at WTA 250 level, while Raducanu’s include a WTA 500 in Washington.
Grand Slam Performance
Raducanu’s US Open win remains her peak, but Fernandez has been more consistent in majors.
| Slam | Raducanu Best (since 2021) | Fernandez Best (since 2021) |
|——|—————————-|—————————–|
| **Australian Open** | R3 (2022, 2025) | R4 (2023) |
| **French Open** | R4 (2025) | R2 (2022, 2024) |
| **Wimbledon** | R2 (2022, 2024) | R3 (2023) |
| **US Open** | Champion (2021) | Finalist (2021) |
Raducanu has 1 Slam title and 1 R4; Fernandez has 0 titles but 1 Slam final and 1 R4.
Earnings and Impact
Raducanu’s US Open win netted her £1.8 million, boosting her career earnings to over £5 million by 2025. Fernandez has earned around £4 million, with steady 250-level success.
| Metric | Raducanu | Fernandez |
|——–|———-|———–|
| **Career Prize Money (since 2021)** | £3.2M+ | £2.8M+ |
| **2025 Prize Money** | £650k | £450k |
Raducanu’s Slam win had massive cultural impact in Britain, ending a 44-year women’s drought; Fernandez’s run inspired Latin American fans.
Overall Comparison
Since 2021, Fernandez has been more consistent with 4 titles and better Slam longevity, while Raducanu’s US Open triumph and 2025 ranking surge (No. 30) highlight her peak potential despite injuries. Fernandez (No. 42) has played more matches (182 vs. Raducanu’s 154), but Raducanu’s 60.9% win rate edges Fernandez’s 59.3%. Both exemplify the ‘Next Gen’ wave, but Raducanu’s Slam glory gives her the narrative edge.
Raducanu’s trajectory shows resilience amid setbacks, while Fernandez’s steadiness promises longevity. The 2021 final was a launchpad; their journeys remain compelling.
