Emma Raducanu’s US Open title more iconic than Valentin Vacherot Shanghai title, says former world No 1
Emma Raducanu’s stunning 2021 US Open victory continues to echo through tennis conversations, and former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki has now added her voice to the debate — insisting that Raducanu’s triumph remains far more iconic than Valentin Vacherot’s recent Shanghai title.
Wozniacki, known for her sharp analysis and deep understanding of the sport, didn’t hesitate when comparing the two achievements. She acknowledged Vacherot’s Shanghai victory as a career-defining moment, but made it clear that it sits on a very different level from what Raducanu accomplished in New York. Raducanu’s run, Wozniacki noted, was one of the most extraordinary breakthroughs tennis has ever witnessed: a qualifier storming through the draw without losing a single set, defying odds that seemed almost impossible.
To Wozniacki, Raducanu’s win wasn’t just a sporting upset — it was a global moment. It captivated audiences beyond tennis, captured headlines across continents, and transformed a teenager into an international star overnight. She highlighted that such impact is rare, even among Grand Slam champions.
In contrast, while Vacherot’s Shanghai title marked a significant step in his upward trajectory, Wozniacki described it as an impressive milestone rather than a world-shifting event. His victory may represent progress, but it didn’t send shockwaves through the sport the way Raducanu’s US Open run did.
Wozniacki’s stance reinforces what many fans already believe: Raducanu’s New York triumph belongs in the realm of tennis folklore. It remains a once-in-a-generation story of fearlessness, destiny, and history written in real time — a moment that continues to shine brighter than most modern achievements, no matter how commendable.
