John Isner, a former American no.1 player, has had a remarkably successful career. Since his professional debut in 2007, the third tallest player on the ATP World Tour has played some incredibly fast-paced tennis that has sent numerous records tumbling. As a result, the lankylad from North Carolina has had a significant impact on the way tennis is being played on the elite stage.
He won the longest match in tennis history against Nicholas Mahut in 2010, holds the record for serving the most aces by a professional tennis player at 14,470, and his second-longest-ever Grand Slam match (he holds the first position) against Kevin Anderson in 2018 prompted Wimbledon authorities to change its rules to standardize tiebreakers in deciding sets across all games.
John Isner has announced his retirement from tennis at US Open 2023
John Isner began his 2023 season by serving 44 aces against Wu Yibing in the Dallas Open finals, which is the most ever in a three-set match after Ivo Karlovic’s 45 in Halle. Amidst such stellar feats, a few days before the US Open was to commence, Isner took to social media platform X to announce his retirement.
In a heartfelt address to fans, coaches, sponsors and fellow players, John Isner expressed gratitude and appreciation for the love and support he had received.
“I won’t sit here and pretend that this transition is going to be easy, because it wont be. For a large part of these 20+ years, all I’ve really know is tennis. Waking up each morning with the goal of being a better player is something I always took immense pride in, and now I’ll have to channel my energy elsewhere. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to”, Isner wrote.
After 17+ years on the @atptour, it’s time to say goodbye to professional tennis. This transition won’t be easy but I’m looking forward to every second of it with my amazing family.
The @usopen will be my final event. Time to lace ‘em up one last time. ❤️ ♥️ 💜 pic.twitter.com/GyRTXGNK8G
— John Isner (@JohnIsner) August 23, 2023
Currently ranked No. 158, Isner was one of eight men to receive a main-draw wild card into this year’s US Open. “Of course, there are countless matches I wish I could have back, but I am proud of what I was able to accomplish,” Isner wrote. “The journey was nothing short of incredible.”
John Isner is looking forward to spending time with his family that consists of wife Madison McKinley, a jewellery designer, and four children – Hunter Grace, John Hobbs, James “Mack” McKinley and Chapel Lee.
John Isner out of US Open after five-set loss to Michael Mmoh
After a straight-sets victory over Facundo Diaz Acosta in the first round, John Isner faced off against fellow American Michael Mmoh for a place in the third round.
The match was anything but smooth sailing for both players and in the end it was the younger Mmoh who triumphed in a marathon match that lasted nearly four hours. The 38-year-old Isner was in fine form initially as he raced to a two set lead, with his 6’10” frame aiding him in serving aces galore.
However, 25-year-old Mmoh was not in a mood to give up and raced back to claim the third set in a tiebreaker. In a twist to the tale, he claimed the fourth set with an ace of his own. The fifth and deciding set took both players to the brink as Mmoh eventually triumphed with the scoreline 10/7 in the tiebreak. The final scoreline read 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 7-6 (10/7).
The match, along with John Isner’s doubles loss, meant that the American’s career was officially at its culmination. He appreciated the crowd present at the Grandstand stadium.
“Yeah. Thank you for the love and support. You know, I work as hard as I can….”, Isner said, before pausing to compose himself as he cried. The crowd applauded and cheered the American for his achievements.
John Isner's singles career comes to an end.
And the appreciation was evident on Grandstand. pic.twitter.com/DwyKReOVTE
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2023
Mmoh paid tribute to his elderly compatriot, saying ” I want to give a massive congrats to John. Unbelievable career. Obviously this is a special moment for me but even more special for John. Everything he’s done the last 20 years. He’s been top 20 for 10 years in a row. Stuff like that isn’t easy to do.”
What are your favourite moments from John Isner’s career? He has had an affinity to play marathon matches that would physically drain any professional player. Let us know your opinion on Isner’s legacy in the comments section below.
