In professional tennis, where reputations are rewritten with every swing of the racket, few stories rival the magic of an underdog’s triumph. The Shanghai Masters, one of the ATP Tour’s prestigious 1000 events, recently became the stage for one of the sport’s most remarkable upsets. Valentin Vacherot, a 28-year-old qualifier from Monaco ranked 204th in the world, produced a dream run that stunned even the sport’s elite. His journey included a breathtaking semifinal victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic before he defeated his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in the final to claim the title. It was a story few could have scripted—a journeyman player lifting one of tennis’s biggest trophies, defying every odd in the process.
Yet, amid the euphoria and congratulatory buzz across social media, the conversation took a sharp turn when former world No. 8 John Isner weighed in. Known for his towering presence and even bigger serve, the recently retired American sparked controversy with a bold comparison. Speaking after the final, Isner remarked, “I think it is more impressive [what Vacherot did], yes. But Raducanu, it’s a bigger story because it’s the US Open. I think this is more improbable than what she did… But obviously, it being the US Open makes it a bigger story, even though this story is really big in the tennis world. But yeah, I’m giving it to Vacherot there because it’s unheard of.”
Isner’s comments instantly reignited debate around one of the sport’s most iconic breakthrough moments—Emma Raducanu’s historic 2021 US Open triumph. Just 18 years old and ranked outside the top 100 at the time, Raducanu arrived in New York as an unseeded qualifier with little expectation. What followed was nothing short of tennis sorcery. The young Brit bulldozed through the draw without dropping a single set, dispatching top names such as Sara Sorribes Tormo, Belinda Bencic, and Leylah Fernandez in the final to become the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam singles title. Her achievement sent shockwaves around the world—hailed as one of the greatest sporting moments of the decade—and instantly transformed her into a global star.
For many, Raducanu’s run remains untouchable, not just for its improbability but for its cultural impact. So when Isner suggested that Vacherot’s Masters title was the more impressive feat, tennis fans were quick to react. Social media erupted with disbelief and criticism. “What a horrible take,” one fan fumed, a phrase that quickly trended among Raducanu supporters. Another wrote, “Emma was 18, straight out of school, and didn’t lose a single set in a Grand Slam. That’s bigger than a 28-year-old qualifier winning a Masters. You can only beat who’s in front of you.”
The backlash grew rapidly, with many accusing Isner of “recency bias”—placing undue weight on the latest event while downplaying the magnitude of past achievements. “There’s no comparison,” one user argued. “Raducanu’s US Open is the most extraordinary thing we’ve seen in decades.” For British fans in particular, her victory remains a source of immense national pride, a bright chapter in the country’s tennis history that continues to inspire young players.
However, not everyone dismissed Isner’s view. Some tennis purists defended his stance, arguing that Vacherot’s feat deserves more recognition than it received. After all, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets—something even top-10 players struggle to do—is extraordinary. One fan noted, “Beating Djokovic and winning a Masters 1000 as world No. 204 is beyond belief. It’s not just impressive; it’s historic.” To them, Vacherot’s story embodies the purity of competition: perseverance rewarded on one of the sport’s toughest stages.
Regardless of where fans stand, the debate underscores tennis’s enduring fascination with underdog stories. Both Raducanu’s and Vacherot’s triumphs transcend statistics; they represent moments where belief defied logic. Raducanu’s breakthrough was a fairy tale that played out under the blinding lights of New York, captivating millions worldwide. Vacherot’s victory, meanwhile, unfolded quietly but powerfully in Shanghai—a triumph of grit and persistence from a player who had spent years toiling away on the Challenger circuit.
As the dust settles, Isner’s comments have inadvertently rekindled appreciation for both players’ journeys. Raducanu’s run remains a modern legend—a reminder of what’s possible when preparation meets destiny. Vacherot’s rise, on the other hand, proves that even in a sport dominated by superstars, there’s always room for the unexpected. Whether one achievement eclipses the other will remain a matter of opinion, but what’s undeniable is the timeless allure of tennis’s greatest stories—those that remind us why we watch, why we hope, and why the underdog will always have a place in our hearts.
Leave a Reply