John Isner is in the midst of the worst slump of his career.
The 32-year-old American who turned pro in 2007 is a dreadful 2-6 on the year with several excruciatingly painful losses.
Isner’s season of agony began with a 67 75 26 loss to Hyeon Chung in Auckland. Followed by a four set loss to Matt Ebden in Melbourne.
Isner finally got his first win of the year in Davis Cup against Serbia, a five setter against Dusan Lajovic, 7-6 in the fifth.
That first win did not get Isner back on track as he lost his first match again at New York Open to Radu Albot 67 63 36.
In Delray Beach, Isner requested a wildcard and avenged Albot in three sets but then lost his next match to Peter Gojowczyk 67 76 67.
Desperately starving for a win, Isner drew struggling Ryan Harrison, fresh off successive first round losses to Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlovic, for his opener in Acapulco and promptly lost again 36 67.
The suffering would continue in Indian Wells where Isner drew Gael Monfils for his first match. With the American stadium supporting the Frenchman, an insulting repeat of what happened at the US Open a few years ago, Isner succumbed once again, losing in three sets to Monfils yesterday afternoon.
Now a journeymanesque 2-6 on the year, Isner can’t even get a break in his home country, where his fellow American fans snubbed him when he needed it most and cheered on the flashy foreigner.
With 12 ATP titles and 361 career match victories, Isner, ranked 18 in the world, has suddenly lost his winning touch and his confidence.
At 32, it appears Isner has lost that fraction of agility, speed, stamina, movement, and accuracy on the big points. Since 2010 Isner has won at least 33 matches per year (45 in both 2012 and 2015) but this year he’s currently on a one match win a month tailspin. For comparison, two years ago Rajeev Ram won 12 ATP singles matches and finished 128 in the world.
Isner could just be having the misfortune of being stuck in an unlucky patch where nothing is going right. These kinds of periods happen to all veteran ATP players, even the likes of Novak Djokovic and Michael Chang and Vince Spadea.
All it takes is two or three quality wins in a row at the same event as the remedy to right the sinking ship of Captain John Isner.
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1 2 Next »Duke Carnoustie · March 12, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Like I said before, he was devastated by that Krajinovic loss. It could have been him going to London, instead Sock and Micaela Burns used Paris as a rendezvous to glory at the O2. Remember Isner and Sock were going to golf together; instead it was Isner left holding his own bag. While Isner was playing caddy, Sock was with eye candy Micaela soaking in London. That had to sting.
Meanwhile call me Krazy for Krajinovic but I feel he has some shot at Fed today. I say Krazy Krajinovic takes a set today for another amazing call-out by the Duke.
Scoop Malinowski · March 12, 2018 at 4:43 pm
And now Isner and Sock play doubles together this week. Maybe a good run can get Isner back on track. Yes I agree, that loss was a bad loss for Isner and it seems to have lingering carryover effects into 2018. Isner keeps losing these matches that on paper he should win. Isner should win either on paper or he gets himself into the winning position to win and bungles it. Isner not only looks a little slower but he also seems to have lost some coordination. He doesn’t seem to move with the same grace that he used to move with. This could be the result of some kind of little nagging injury that is throwing off the whole machine.
jg · March 12, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Looks like he gets tripped up running around the backhand to hit a forehand, it’s not as smooth as it was
Duke Carnoustie · March 12, 2018 at 6:09 pm
OK that was silly of me to doubt the great one. It’s a wrap, no one can stop him.
I missed that Sascha lost. At least we know he’ll be on time at the practice courts to fix his mistakes!
Dan Markowitz · March 12, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Izzie is the favorite against Monfils!? Please, Gaels wasn’t sweating it.
Scoop Malinowski · March 12, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Dan, Monfils was only 5-4 vs Isner before yesterday and with supposed home court advantage he should be favorite or at least toss-up.. Jg; Also having to run to hit a running backhand or to run to get to the backhand corner to dig out a ball he looks clumsier now. He had to grind out a lot of wins over the last eight years to stay lodged in the top 20 rankings zone.
Scoop Malinowski · March 12, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Trouble in Zverevdise.
Duke Carnoustie · March 12, 2018 at 9:38 pm
Isner’s record is barely better than DY’s.
Svitolina about to go down in straights.
Chazz · March 12, 2018 at 10:04 pm
Way to go Fritz, big win over Verdasco into the 4th round. Coric, who crushed Young and Bautista Agut, awaits.
Duke Carnoustie · March 12, 2018 at 10:07 pm
What a win for Fritz, dominating that tiebreak after he had a couple of match points earlier. Wife Raquel Pedraza, famous for being in a Federer commercial, was right there cheering her man on.
Verdasco was not happy to be losing to a youngster, you could see the disdain in his face.
Coric has dropped nine games in six sets in IW18. He crushed Fritz the only time they met before. Coric is the favorite but the Calikid has the crowd on his side.
Now it’s time for Serenus!
catherine · March 12, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Svitolina out. The draw suddenly as wide open as a barn door in a storm.
Stephens, Julia G gone. Kerber, Garcia win and will play each other.Woz wins.
Duke Carnoustie · March 13, 2018 at 2:33 am
Crazy stat on Fritz being 11-1 in decisive set breakers on the pro tour. Only Kohlschreiber has toppled him. That’s a championship-level stat right there.
Fed is No. 1 and Chardy is No. 100 so that’s what’s going on with that matchup. Jimmy has beaten him once but on clay.
Why did Thiem stop playing?
PCB is 0-3 vs. Anderson so it;s time to put up or shut up.
Venus deservedly won and good for her. Clearly match practice was the difference but the goat will be back for sure.
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 3:02 am
IW final: Kerber v Halep 🙂
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 5:39 am
I wish they’d excuse Angie those stupid press interviews – she always says the same things in the same strangled English (‘try to enjoying the next match’…) and we learn nothing at all. She’s not articulate and that’s that.
I was sorry Julia G lost, her serve seemed to go off with the fairies somewhere. Julia’s in a bit of a slump which is a shame because I think she’s a good player with a smooth style – nice to watch.
scoopmalinowski · March 13, 2018 at 6:10 am
Fritz outcooled, outhit and outsmarted Verdasco. Monumental win. Hes back in top form and up the mountain. Big trouble for anybody. Looked like Verdasco tried staring him down at the coin toss. Liked Fritzs roaring emotional release after the win. Super intense. Reflected an extraordinary superhuman drive and will.
Hartt · March 13, 2018 at 7:49 am
Duke, Thiem retired because he injured his foot. He tried to continue but ultimately could not. The commies said it was very rare for him to retire.
Hartt · March 13, 2018 at 7:52 am
I stayed up until some unearthly hour and watched Chung win over Berdych. Berdy did not play badly, but Chung was better on the big points. That is a common theme with Berdych, not playing the big points well. I don’t see him getting back into the top 10, especially with so many youngsters coming along.
Chazz · March 13, 2018 at 8:25 am
I find it really interesting that Steve Johnson and Jared Donaldson are playing in the Irving Challenger. They are ranked #54 and 48. When is the last time Johnson played a challenger?
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 9:08 am
I’m giving up on predictions. I’m not even predicting Federer will reach the final at IW.
I really did think Svitolina would go through the field – maybe so did she. Well – as the song says ‘I’ve Been Wrong Before’.
I’d agree with Duke re Serena – from what I could see she’s improving – we could see a difference in Miami.
jg · March 13, 2018 at 9:50 am
He probably needs matches, Courier said it was a big mistake for Tiafoe to skip the Indian Wells challenger after winning DelRay as he didn’t look sharp against Escobedo and lost his edge.
jg · March 13, 2018 at 10:08 am
And Johnson has a tough first round, he could lose that, maybe it’s wirse to lose in first round of challenger than not to play.
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 10:53 am
On Youtube there is a streamed video of an empty practice court at Indian Wells and there are 10 people watching it.
Duke Carnoustie · March 13, 2018 at 11:00 am
Wow stacked field in Irving Challenger. Basic and Ebden unseeded!
Kontinen and Peers are top seeds in the doubles! Incredible. Monroe and Withrow also lurking.
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2018 at 2:51 pm
Isner should play Dallas Challenger too. Johnson is way below where he expects to be. He expected to be in the teens after finishing in teh 20 in 2016 but 2017 went the wrong way. This year he’s not been making up any ground either. He really should be top 20 or even teens based on what her showed in 2016.
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Halep, Martic win – Pliskova dismantling Anisimova.
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2018 at 6:45 pm
Anisimiova looked a little off today, but maybe that’s due to Pliskova’s big game. Sakkari has been a surprise winning first set vs Osaka. First saw Sakkari at US Open three years ago in qualies and she’s a feisty emotional adrenaline type player. Last year at US Open she was coached by Thomas Johansson which is a very shrewd choice for a choice. Delpo up on Ferrer 64 but a long way to go for that W.
Duke Carnoustie · March 13, 2018 at 7:38 pm
Very sad news on the passing of Ken Flach. Those who remember Flach and Seguso and the kind of doubles they played will remember him well. Really shocking news since he was 54.
Hartt · March 13, 2018 at 8:09 pm
Raonic managed to win over Sousa, although neither guy played particularly well. But Milos did break Sousa twice in the decider to take it 6-2. Right now the big thing is for Milos to get some match play, so getting to play another day was important.
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Osaka bt Sakkari 6-1 first and final sets. Naomi playing as well as anyone at the moment.
Some of the women’s matches sheer tedium, even in highlights. Maybe the court and the high bouncing balls. One player, can’t recall who, was often so far behind the baseline on many points that she disappeared off the screen.
catherine · March 13, 2018 at 10:19 pm
Osaka 6-1 5-7 6-1.
Venus wins as well.
Duke Carnoustie · March 14, 2018 at 1:55 am
Kind of happy to see Wozniacki lose. I hate her attitude.
Halep may really be the best in the world. I guess.
catherine · March 14, 2018 at 2:20 am
Angie obliterates Garcia. On her way to the final.
Duke Carnoustie · March 14, 2018 at 2:21 am
Stupid press conference moments…
Q. Zverev next.
MILOS RAONIC: Yeah.
Q. Tell us a little bit about him.
MILOS RAONIC: Yeah, he’s had an incredible last 18, 20 months. I don’t know if he’s — I believe he’s top 4 in the world. He’s been up there, playing consistently well. He’s won two Masters.
So it’s going to be a tough match. We have had two tough matches so far on every other surface other than hard court. I’m going to have to be more disciplined and more sharp and hopefully be able to put some good things together.
Duke Carnoustie · March 14, 2018 at 2:31 am
Crazy tennis travels:
Patrick Kypson is a college tennis player for Texas A&M – the school that produced ATP stars Austin Krajicek and Jackson Withrow.
Kypson had a college match Sunday at Georgia in which he lost. On Monday, he won a qualifier in the Irving Challenger. On Tuesday, he lost 7-6 (0), 6-0 to Fratangelo in the main draw.
Talk about an insane three days for the kid.
catherine · March 14, 2018 at 3:23 am
Angie played very well but Caroline was poor – there’s not much variety to her game – nothing much to fall back on and no weapons to attack Angie’s weaknesses. Can’t see her staying in the top 10.
Kastkina does have variety – mixed it up well v Woz who was outplayed at times. Can only see Daria getting better.
Duke – I’ve heard and read much more stupid press conference moments than those ones.
catherine · March 14, 2018 at 4:25 am
So Kasatkina v Kerber will be interesting.
Dan Markowitz · March 14, 2018 at 4:53 am
Sock is really having down year. Not even Fish steppingvin to coach him this week helped much. Fritz beat Verdasco, but Sock was unable to get by Lopez. The Spaniard served great, but Sock’s backhand at least in first set when i was watching, really let him down. He just has a real hard time passing off that side and his FH which is so big, is a weakness on return of serve with his extreme grip. I can’t remember seeing a player have such a fall from grace in his prime. Well I can of course there’s Gulbis, but that’s a different story as Sock seemed ready to surge last two years.
Hartt · March 14, 2018 at 8:02 am
As a Kasatkina fan, have been very impressed with her play so far in IW. Someone who has followed the women’s matches closely has predicted Dasha will win over Kerbie, although that is not the result he wants. I have seen some of Dasha’s matches, but not any of Kerber’s, so I have no idea. I’d love to see Dasha win this title, and if Vesnina could do it last year, why not Daria? (Besides, Dasha is a treat-eligible player, 🙂 )
scoopmalinowski · March 14, 2018 at 8:24 am
Lopez still a great player. Most aesthetic game in Atp. Iron man of majors with longest consecutive major streak. Amazing great player. Sock has lost his winning touch in singles but hes close. Needs Lloyd Carroll to call him journeyman perhaps.
Hartt · March 14, 2018 at 8:47 am
With the way he won Queens last year, Lopez can still be a threat. Although not in the same league as Fed, he is the same age, so is doing extremely well for an old guy.
Hartt · March 14, 2018 at 8:49 am
Doubles News: Sock/Isner are still in doubles. Today they face a very good doubles team – Dodog/Ram. The Bryans have to be big favourites over Marcus Daniell/Schwartzman.
Hartt · March 14, 2018 at 8:50 am
Typo correction – Dodig
Chazz · March 14, 2018 at 8:52 am
I was not able to see the Sock-Lopez match. Looking at the stats, they were almost identical and both had a lot of aces – 13 for Sock and 15 for Lopez. 106 total points won for Sock and 105 for Lopez. Lopez must have just played some big points better. It doesn’t appear to be a bad loss for Sock but he’s going to take a hit in the rankings because he went to the semis last year.
catherine · March 14, 2018 at 9:03 am
Hartt –
I thought of you what with Daria being treats eligible, so I hope you have a stock in, for Federer too.
It was hard to tell from Angie’s match what her form is really like, Caroline wasn’t able to take the game to her at all. I imagine Daria will try different tactics, maybe bring Angie forward more and mix up the rallies with spin and slicing rather than get stuck in the kind of stuff Kerber feeds on. She’s also a bit faster around the court. But Angie has 10 years or so more experience so it’s 50/50 in my book. Also, she’s wearing a non-pink outfit which is a plus 🙂
catherine · March 14, 2018 at 9:19 am
IW began with 7 former women’s champions in the draw. Simona is the only one left (2015).
Hartt · March 14, 2018 at 9:57 am
Catherine, when will these pink outfits end? It was even a relief to see Stephens in black and white.
Regarding Fed and treats, he is winning so many titles that I can’t keep up. I finally got my “Roger” tulip plant for Rotterdam after he said he didn’t go there for the tulips. It is a lovely bright orange, very appropriate for Holland, and helpful during this winter that does not want to end. But I still owe myself Lindt chocolate balls for his AO win. 🙂
Dan Markowitz · March 14, 2018 at 11:43 am
Please Lopez is not close to being a great player. Has he even gone as far as a slams quarters? Who next? We going to call Gilles Simon a great player? Who’s actually had a better career than Lopez. Bad loss for Sock.
Chazz · March 14, 2018 at 11:51 am
Dan,
To answer your question, Lopez has been to slam QFs 4 times in his career. By the way, Simon has done it 2 times. Simon has won more singles titles though. Lopez is currently ranked #30.
Dan Markowitz · March 14, 2018 at 2:59 pm
So reaching four Quarters in 64 slams, compiling a 92-65 slam career record, that’s great? Come on, Lopez is a good player, but you can’t call him great. I wouldn’t even call a Tommy Haas great, who I think reached two slam semis, because great should be a term we don’t throw around loosely?
Was Andy Roddick great? No, come on, he reached one slam finals outside of Wimbledon. Was Pat Rafter great? No, he won two slams, but I wouldn’t say his game was great.
Great is for McEnroe, Sampras, Connors, Becker, Edberg, Lendl, Djoko, Fed and Nadal. I wouldn’t even call Andy Murray great.
Now Lopez is impressing playing so well at 36, but it still doesn’t make him great. If he wins Wimbledon like Scoop once predicted he would, I’d call him really good, not even very good.
Duke Carnoustie · March 14, 2018 at 3:01 pm
I consider a player who has been to four Slam QFs great.
Simon was ranked No. 6 in the world so I’d say he qualifies too in my book.
Jack Sock still not great yet in my book since he hasn’t gone deep enough in Slams. Except his doubles prowess may qualify him for greatness.