John Isner to retire at US Open as ‘face of American tennis’ ends his profession
John Isner will retire from skilled tennis after the US Open, the American has confirmed. The 38-year-old reached a career-high of world No 8 in 2018 after successful his first Masters 1000 title on the Miami Open earlier than reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon the place he was overwhelmed in a five-set marathon by Kevin Anderson.
Renowned for his enormous serve, Isner holds the document for the ATP’s quickest ‘official’ serve at 157.2mph and likewise participated within the longest skilled tennis match in historical past at Wimbledon in 2010 when his victory over Nicolas Mahut lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes and needed to be contested over three days.
With 16 profession titles to his title, the enormous 6ft 10″ star finished as US No 1 no fewer than eight times between 2012 and 2020. But now ranked 158th, he has finally decided to end his long tenure in elite tennis at Flushing Meadows next week.
Sharing news of his announcement on Instagram, a reflective Isner wrote: “There comes a time in each athlete’s profession that they should determine to hold it up, for me, that point is now. I did not come at this resolution calmly, however I really feel it’s the proper solution to go.
“When I left the University of Georgia in 2007, there was no way I could have imagined playing 17 years on the ATP Tour. Of course, there are countless matches I wish I could have back, but I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish. The journey was nothing short of incredible.
“I take into account myself fortunate to have developed so many superb relationships which have introduced me the place I’m immediately. The individuals which were in my nook each professionally and personally have performed an enormous function in shaping me as a participant, however extra importantly, an individual.”
Isner went on to thank his coach, Manny Diaz, his parents, wife and the fans, before reaffirming his faith in Jesus Christ.
He added: “The US Open might be my final match, and I am unable to consider a greater solution to exit than competing in New York City. I’ve participated within the US Open for every of the 17 years of my profession and I’m trying ahead to taking part in my final match in entrance of the American followers in Flushing Meadows.”
Fans rushed to pay tribute to Isner following his announcement. Replying to the US star on X, Alex Bancila wrote: “You have been the face of and carried US males’s tennis with class for over a decade post-Roddick, Fish, and Blake period. You have been additionally a part of what’s almost definitely probably the most unbreakable document in tennis.”
Chris Phillips wrote: “Congratulations on a superb profession John and the excellent approach you have got carried out your self on and off courtroom.”
@professornez added: “You have been such a pleasure to look at play brother! Enjoy your time with your loved ones and family members. Thank you for exemplifying character, class and professionalism. Cheers!”
Isner has twice reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in 2011 and 2018. He will retire holding the record for the most aces in ATP history, with his tally currently standing at 14,411.