John Isner’s career came to a dramatic end at the US Open on Thursday after the 38-year-old narrowly missed out on a place in the third round.
The former world No.8 battled on the court for over four hours before losing 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-7(7-10) to compatriot Michael Mmoh. Coming into this year’s tournament, Isner said that it would be the last one he would play in his career which has spanned over two decades. He could have prolonged his stay in Flushing Meadows if he converted the match point opportunity he had whilst leading 5-4 in the decider. Instead, Mmoh held his nerve to prevail and follow up on his win over 11th seed Karen Khachanov in the first round.
“I have to give a massive congratulations to John. Unbelievable career,” Mmoh said in tribute to Isner afterwards.
“This is a special moment for me but this is even more special for John. Everything he has done in the last 20 years, I think he has been top 20 for 10 years in a row. stuff like that is not easy to do.”
Thursday’s clash on the Grandslam Stadium drew a packed crowd to the venue with onlookers including fellow players Chris Eubanks and Ben Shelton. Mmoh later revealed that Shelton discretely gave him some brief advice on where Isner would serve against him.
Isner has been a leading figure for his country’s tennis contingent for most of his career. He finished eight sessions as the highest-ranked American player on the ATP Tour between 2012-2016 and 2018-2020. He has won 16 Tour titles with the most prestigious of them being at the 2018 Miami Open. In the Grand Slams, his best run was to the semi-finals of the 2018 Wimbledon championships.
“It’s tough. I like to think I worked as hard as I can,” a tearful Isner said on the court following the last match of his career.
“This is why I have worked as hard as I have my whole life. To play in an atmosphere like this. Of course, I didn’t win all of them. To play in front of this crowd and have the support I had is pretty special.”
Perhaps the thing Isner will be best remembered for is his record-breaking battle with Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon back in 2010 which took place over three days. The marathon clash lasted 11 hours and five minutes to become the longest-ever match played. Besides this, Isner’s strongest weapon was his serve with him hitting more than 14,400 aces on the Tour during his career.
Whilst Isner’s singles career has ended, he is still playing in the doubles draw this year alongside Jack Sock. Another player who will retire after the tournament ends. The duo will play their opening match on Thursday against Albano Olivetti and Robert Galloway.
