Novak Djokovic has reiterated his credentials as a key contender for the ATP Finals title with the help of another clinical performance. The world No.1 dropped only five points behind his serve during his straight sets triumph over Marin Cilic. Meanwhile, rising star Alexander Zverev was another player to produce a powerful service display as he brushed aside John Isner. Zverev will take on Roger Federer on Saturday afternoon, followed by Djokovic against Kevin Anderson in the evening.  

John Isner exits the ATP Finals with a mixture of disappointment and pride following his loss to Alexander Zverev on Friday.

Isner, who was playing in the year-end finale for the first time in his career, was knocked out in straight sets by his 21-year-old opponent. Bringing a close to what has been the most successful season of his career. Isner has won two ATP titles, including his first at Masters level in Miami, and reached his first grand slam semi-final at Wimbledon.

“There’s definitely some things I could have done better. Didn’t come into this tournament with that much momentum. I think that maybe showed a little bit.” He commented about his week in London.
“I did have a good year, but I had a lot of losses, as well. I had three really good tournaments. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get inside the top 10, which is what I did this year.” He added.

A player breaking through on the tour in their early thirties is becoming a regular occurrence in the world of men’s tennis. However, in Isner’s case, his rise hasn’t entirely been down to everything he has learned on the court. 2018 also saw him become a father. In September his wife, Madison, gave birth to a baby girl called Hunter Grace.

There is a saying that once somebody becomes a parent their perspective on life changes. Something the American No.1 agrees with. The question is what influence has it had on Isner’s tennis?

“I think it’s definitely a life-changing moment for myself and my wife. For me professionally, I think it can definitely help going forward.” He commented about fatherhood.
“I just think prior to our daughter being born, getting married is another big step. That definitely settles things down personally. We were always dating and together, but we took that next step. It was the perfect timing for all of it.
“Everything has gone pretty fluidly in my personal life, so I think that certainly helps. That’s why I’ve at times this year played remarkably well.”

The perspective is one that mirrors some of his peers. Novak Djokovic said in July that fatherhood was his ‘biggest motivation’ for winning Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Roger Federer once said in 2012 that his twin daughters “helped his game more than anything.’

Finding harmony in his life both on and off the court, Isner believes he can improve further heading into the new year. He ends his season with a win-loss record of 34-22, including his three victories over top 10 players at the Miami Open in March.

“Going forward, I’ll be looking to play well in the big events again. There’s still a lot of room for improvement for me. I started the year off in 2018 in pretty poor form. So I can improve on that. If I can, I can possibly improve my ranking and give myself more momentum early on in the season.”

Isner concludes 2018 inside the year-end top 10 on the ATP rankings for the first time in his career.

Kevin Anderson has praised recent initiatives implemented by the ATP to reduce the plastic waste footprint of their tournaments.

At this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, a series of new measures have been applied to help reduce the environmental impact it causes. More prominently concerning the use of plastic bottles. Water coolers and fountains have been provided for players and media staff long with reusable bottles. Players also have glass bottles provided to them in the locker room.

The approach is one Anderson hopes can be expanded and applied throughout the entire tour. The South African has been a vocal supporter on Twitter of doing more to protect the environment.

“In London and also at the Next Gen, there are quite a few initiatives trying to reduce plastic bottles, trying to reuse them.” Said Anderson.
“The idea is to take everything we learn from these couple weeks, then trying to create some bigger initiatives next year both from what the players can do and also promoting it to everybody who comes and watches tennis.”

I love walks on the beach… Picked up 77 pieces of plastic in just 100m 😕 We need to do better! 🌏♻️ #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/ULRyh261l5

— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) August 20, 2018

Anderson, who is the vice-president of the players’ council, says his interest in the issue was elevated after watching a film on Netflix. A Plastic Ocean is a documentary movie about the effect of plastic pollution on oceans. It features journalist Craig Leeson and world champion freediver Tanya Streeter

“It’s always been on the back of my mind. Just generally I’d say being sort of aware of our environment, something that’s always been important to me.” Anderson explained. “Plastic specifically, during French Open, through Netflix of all places, I saw a documentary called Plastic Oceans. Once you see it, it’s impossible to unsee it.’
“My coach is also very passionate about it. Something we’re trying to build on.”

According to the ATP, The O2 sends less than 1% of its 3,500 tonnes of waste per year to landfill. The O2 is the current venue of the ATP Finals.

Earlier this week, the 32-year-old donated $2000 following one match played in London. The world No.6 vowed to give $100 for every ace he produced during his clash with Kei Nishikori to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), who are battling the deadliest wildfire in California’s history. In total, he produced 10 aces to raise $1000. On top of that, he also donated the same amount to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ohio.

Anderson will return to action on Saturday when he will become the first African player to contest a semi-final match at the year-end tournament.