Former Miami Masters champion John Isner has confirmed that next week’s US Open will be his final ever professional tournament.The 38-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers on the ATP Tour for a long time, and was the highest ranked US player for several years, until the recent crop of young US talent has emerged.
Isner said the following in a statement: “After 17 years on the ATP Tour, it’s time to say goodbye to professional tennis. The transition won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to every second of it with my amazing family. The US Open will be my final event. Time to lace em up one last time”
The Highights of Isner’s Career
The 6’10 will be best remembered for his extraordinary serving. He holds the record for the most aces in the history of tennis. In addition, the bounce Isner was capable of manufacturing off his second serve was often even more impressive. It regularly left even the best returners feeling helpless.
His serve and an also powerful forehand led Isner to 16 ATP titles. The high point of his career came at the 2018 Miami Masters. The home favourite won his only Masters 1000 title by recovering from a set behind in the final against Alexander Zverev. Isner had also beaten Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals.
Wimbledon led to two more notable milestones for Isner. The 2018 edition of Wimbledon was the year of his sole Grand Slam semifinal. Isner came incredibly close to making the final, losing in a long five-set match to Kevin Anderson. But that match was not as long as his 2010 Wimbledon match against Nicolas Mahut. The American won that contest 70-68 in the final set, in an extraorindary 11 hours and five minutes. This remains the longest Grand Slam match ever.
Isner was also a two-time quarterfinalist at the US Open. He reached that stage at Flushing Meadows in 2011, and also during his memorable 2018 season.
When Will Isner Discover his US Open Opponent?
The draw for the US Open is at noon in New York. Isner is unseeded at Flushing Meadows, meaning he could face anyone in the draw. He may want a winnable match on paper to give him at least one more win. But on the other hand drawing a top player may lead to a more memorable send-off for someone who has achieved so much.
Everyone at LWOT would like to congratulate John Isner on an excellent career, and wish him every success with whatever he chooses to do in his next chapter.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
