John Isner has decided to retire after a 17 year career highlighted by wins over Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, the Mahut marathon at 2010 Wimbledon 70-68 in the fifth set, a million aces (actually 14,411). The 38 year old out of the University of Georgia feels the time is right to hang up the Prince racquets.
“After 17+ years on the ATP Tour, it’s time to say goodbye to professional tennis,” Isner wrote on his social media acconts. “This transition won’t be easy but I’m looking forward to every second of it with my amazing family. The US Open will be my final event. Time to lace ‘em up one last time.”
The former ATP no. 8 won sixteen ATP titles (14 in America) and 488 ATP singles matches for over $22m in prize money. He is currently ranked 158.
The line to see Djokovic practice inside Arthur Ashe Stadium this afternoon was one of the longest lines I’ve ever seen at the US Open.
On Armstrong Holger Rune and Felix Auger-Aliassime played practice sets with Rune holding the upper hand on the majority of points. Interestingly, Patrick Mouratoglou seems to have regained or established his role as main coach for the great Dane. It was Patrick who was most involved and actively interacting, standing nearby in the corner with racquet in hand, saying things to Rune after almost every point, while the other coaches stood far apart from Patrick. Or who knows, maybe Patrick is posing and pretending for his own image and promotion. Not once did I see Patrick talking with the two other coaches with Rune.
Wawrinka and Monfils also practiced together on Armstrong.
Late afternoon Carlos Alcaraz was scheduled to practice on P1 court which must have been super crowded (I didn’t go to see it).
Tennys Sandgren edged Denis Kudla for the first time ever in a battle of Americans in 1R qualies on new Grandstand 76 64. It’s the fourth time the two have played, with Kudla winning the first three 2012, 2013 and 2014 and the 212 ranked Sandgren, age 32, winning in 2017 Sarasota Challenger by walkover and today. Kudla, age 31, is ranked 180. In the second set after missing a shot, Sandgren screamed at late entry fans who found their seats in the middle of the point behind Kudla, “SITTT DOWWNNN!!!!”
Players who caught me eye: Sho Shimabukoru who thrashed Jan Choinski 63 63. The 26 year old is ranked 150 and moves faster than a frightened cat and he can play an all court game, stunning volleyer also. Sho is a very exciting player and worth a watch. He wears Admiral clothing and a backwards cap. Sho is 2-4 career in ATP matches and 1-2 this year. His best ranking was 156 earlier this month.
17-year-old Jakub Mensik eliminated Fabio Fognini with a 16 61 61 drubbing of the 36 year old Italian stalllion veteran. Fabio had it too easy but then the Czech ranked 191 found his A game, pinpointing his big serves and groundstrokes, he also played some sensation defense. Former Grand Slam champ Daniel Vacek came by in set three to check out his countryman, totally unnoticed by everyone but me. Mensik turns 18 on next week and is still looking to play his first ATP main tour match.
Ryan Harrison isn’t playing, due to his ranking now in the 600s, but he’s here perhaps coaching Heather Watson or Madison Brengle, who train at his father’s new academy in Bradenton.
David Goffin was slayed by Denis Novak 76 63.
A raucous Chilean crowd tried but couldn’t help Alex Tabilo overcome John Millman, the 64 75 victor.
Coco Vandeweghe looked 30 pounds overweight and lost 60 62 to Eva Lys of Germany.
The touted German African Noha Akugue was routed by Bara of Romania 62 64 but even in defeat the teenager was very impressive, such an easy natural mover and nice fluid strokes. Fun player to watch.
24 year old Mai Hontama lead Zhuoxuan Bai of China 76 65 and served for the match however Bai got love-40 and then broke at 15. In the second set tiebreaker Bai built a 5-1 lead only to choke it away 6-8. After the crushing loss Bai smashed her racquet on the court at her chair and then I watched to see the fate of the Yonex. She didn’t leave it at her chair or pack it in her bag, instead she carried it out of the court 14 and once by the food court then she smashed it again and left it on the ground. One of her coaches trailing her, picked it up and put it in the nearby trash can but a clever fan grabbed the memento and took it, just a few seconds before I would have claimed the mangled racquet. Bai is 20 years old and ranked 131.
Maxime Cressy got his first win in a long time, a 63 63 triumph Kopriva.
Today’s crowd was the largest I’ve ever experienced at US Open during qualies. The word is now out and the best kept secret in tennis has ended. All the food options were open too. I hear first week tickets for grounds are selling for over $200. With Djokovic playing again, expect record attendance figures next week.
Spotted around the grounds… Darren Cahill walking and looking at his phone simultaneously but totally unrecognized, even without wearing a cap or sunglasses.
I am told Roger Federer is staying on the Hamptons with his family and may make an appearance next week.
Darren Cahill · Fabio Fognini · John Isner · Mai Hontama · US Open
Cory · August 26, 2023 at 9:50 am
Food options were atrocious. Overpriced, yes, we expected that. Couldn’t get anything vegetarian. Most of the better restaurants were closed during qualies.
I snapped a picture of my 7-yo daughter with a victorious Paire on Tuesday after dispatching Blancaneux. He was swarmed with fans for like 20 min after his win. He’s so popular.
Scoop i am thoroughly impressed with Otto Virtanen. He’s got a very steady game and is cool as a cucumber. His mental game seems outstanding. Has good weaponry too. He’s gotta be a future top 30 guy.
Sandgren blew a 5-2 lead in the third set. He was broken twice consecutively and lost 5 straight games to gift the match away.
Anderson looked good but as suspected, Thomas Machac is too good, too precise, too young. We all know he’s a future top 30 guy. Anderson still has good life left if he continues. (he should be able to hang inside the top 75 if he can get up there)
Scoop Malinowski · August 26, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Cory, yes Virtanen is very good but he’s been invisible for a couple of years after a big junior career. I remember Zane Khan said he lost to him in I think it was Orange Bowl final, so I knew he had to be very good based just on that. Slow progress to ATP, like Khan. He’s making his move this week though. Paire is a very unique charismatic player and near the end of his career. He will be missed. Yes the food prices are offensive. I just won’t pay $16 for a burger when outside the venue near the subway you can get a wonderful healthy hot meal of beef, rice beans and yucca for $10. Sandgren looked good vs Kudla but his demeanor was too negative and whiney, like he didn’t really like being out there, not enjoying the battle. Wish he played with a more intense and positive spirit like Hewitt, Djokovic, Anderson.