Professional tennis is set to bid adieu to one of its giants, as John Isner reveals his plan to retire post the 2023 US Open. This conclusion to a glittering career encapsulates iconic matches, record-breaking achievements, and unforgettable moments that have shaped the trajectory of the sport.
"This transition won't be easy but I'm looking forward to every second of it with my amazing family. Time to lace 'em up one last time," Isner wrote in a social media post.
Rising to the zenith of his prowess in 2018, Isner achieved his career-best ranking of No. 8. This was hot on the heels of his memorable journey to the Wimbledon semifinals. Over the years, he graced the court and clinched 16 singles titles, an accomplishment few can boast of. His serving prowess is etched in tennis annals, with a staggering 14,000+ aces, an unbeatable record on the ATP Tour.
Perhaps the most indelible mark he left was during his match against Nicolas Mahut at the All England Club in 2010. Spanning 11 hours and 5 minutes across three days, this game went down in history as tennis's longest match, culminating in a 70-68 score in the fifth set. This Herculean face-off has since been immortalized with a plaque adorning the walls outside Court 18.
Isner's journey on the grass wasn't always about triumphs. His heart-wrenching loss to Kevin Anderson in the Wimbledon semifinals eight years post the Mahut epic is unforgettable. These encounters, both victorious and defeating, played pivotal roles in sculpting tennis regulations, pushing for standardized tiebreakers in the decisive sets of all Grand Slam tournaments.
Beyond the international stage, Isner's roots trace back to North Carolina. His formative years at the University of Georgia were transformative, culminating in an NCAA team tennis championship win in 2007. Turning professional the subsequent year, Isner's ascendancy was meteoric. Amassing over $22 million in prize money, he wore the crown of America's highest-ranked tennis maestro for a significant duration.
However, 2023 has been a reflective year for the tennis star. Sporting an 8-13 record and a plummeting ATP ranking of 158, the signs were apparent. Despite early exits in three Grand Slam tournaments this season, Isner's legacy isn't dulled. His triumphant third-round major win at Wimbledon against tennis legend Andy Murray is a testament to his undying spirit.
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