After losing to fellow American Michael Mmoh in the US Open second round by scores of 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4, and 7-6 (7), John Isner’s 17-year tennis career came to an end.
The former No. 8 in the world said last week via a social media post that he will be retiring after the competition.
Isner, 38, addressed the Grandstand crowd in tears and sniffles following a contest that lasted just under four hours.
“This is why I’ve worked as hard as I have my whole life, to play in atmospheres like this,” Isner said. “I might not win them all, as we know, just like today. To play in front of this crowd and have the support I’ve had is pretty special.”
As he walked off the court, he received a standing ovation from those in the stands and stopped to wave in appreciation before reaching the exit.
Standing ovations from the spectators greeted him as he left the court, and before leaving, he waved again in thanks.
Isner retires from tennis having performed at some of the top levels.
Isner was a star at the University of Georgia, where he won the NCAA doubles championship in 2005 and the team championship in 2007. He turned pro in 2007 and shocked even himself with his professional success.
“I think I’ve overachieved,” Isner said Friday. “I never imagined myself having this much success for this long.”
These accomplishments include a streak of 10 seasons in which he finished in the year-end top 20, as well as 16 ATP singles titles, eight doubles titles, a 2018 Wimbledon semifinal participation, and eight doubles titles. He occupied that position as the best American male for eight of those seasons. In addition, he holds the ATP records for the fastest serve (157.2 mph) and the most career aces (14,470; he added 48 more in his final match).
“I believe he has the best serve in the history of the game,” three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said Tuesday. “Amazing technique. First and second serves, could do everything with it.”
Isner is well renowned for his involvement in the longest tennis match in history in addition to his gigantic 6-foot-10 frame. Isner overcame Nicolas Mahut in the first round of Wimbledon in 2010 after a match that lasted more than 11 hours, three days, and 183 games.
Isner, who is ranked No. 157 right now, has had a difficult season. It was only his ninth win of the year when he defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta in the first round on Tuesday, giving him his first significant victory of the year. In his media interviews, he was open and honest about how his choice to retire was influenced by his inability to play and train to the level he desired.
“I did want to play as long as I could,” Isner said. “If my results were better this year, I probably wouldn’t be speaking to you right now. That just hasn’t been the case.
“This year has been tough healthwise; I had a foot thing that just bothered me for a long time. I wasn’t able to train really at all, but I was still playing without much practice. It just wasn’t much fun. It just became very laborious for me just trying to get myself healthy and not really being able to do it. Competing not quite at 100% for a little bit too long this year, [it was] very taxing mentally on me. Then you take a few losses here and there, and it just becomes tough, a little bit discouraging.”
He had tape on his left knee and right calf during his two New York bouts. Isner maintained he has no regrets about his choice, though, and he is eager to spend time with his wife and four kids as well as pursue other interests. He stated that he would probably work as a television analyst and look for entrepreneurial opportunities.
He was honored with a ceremony at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Tuesday following his first-round victory. The event gave him a framed photo as well as a film of his career highlights. His family and friends, including former players Sam Querrey and Bob and Mike Bryan, also joined him on the court.
However, he was adamant when he told the throng that he wasn’t quite finished.
“It’s not goodbye yet,” he said. “I’m still alive. I’m actually pretty good, so I’m going to try to keep this thing going as long as I possibly can.”
A few hours later, Isner officially announced his retirement when he lost a doubles match with Jack Sock, another American who has declared the US Open to be his final competition. At Court 12, Robert Galloway and Albano Olivetti defeated them 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (10-3).
