University of Georgia Athletics
Isner rising: 'Feel like it's my time'
February 22, 2012 | Men's Tennis
Feb. 22, 2012
By Stephanie Kuzydym, USA TODAY
John Isner told himself success after college would be reaching the top 100 on the ATP World Tour.
"I do feel like it's my time," Isner said. "I think my career best tennis is ahead of me, and I hope it's here in 2012."
It's been six days since the 26-year-old American had what many in the news media are calling his best career win. He defeated world No. 3 Roger Federer in four sets to help the USA snag a Davis Cup victory against Switzerland.
That victory made an impression on Davis Cup captain Jim Courier.
"I learned that John can beat anyone at any time," Courier told reporters after the win. "No one has a chance if he plays the way he plays and serves the way he serves unless they play incredible defensive tennis because he plays first-strike tennis that is first rate."
Isner's stock is rising with his ranking. Because of a subpar first half of 2011, he doesn't have a lot of points to defend until summer, meaning he could still keep climbing. But it will get tougher from there. Isner's career record against top-10 players is 6-19, but he's won two of the last three, beating top-five players Federer and David Ferrer.
Isner will be the No. 1 seed at a 500-level tournament next week in Memphis for the first time in his career. That means more pressure, which Isner says is a good thing. He also has his eyes on the top 10 and the title of top American.
"I know right now that's Mardy's spot," Isner said of Davis Cup teammate Mardy Fish, who is ranked No. 8. "He's not looking to relinquish that at all."
Isner isn't shocked by his recent success, though. From girls to growth spurts, he said, he's always been a late bloomer.
"To this day, I only shave once a week," Isner said.
The American No. 2 always has been a threat, even when he was struggling through the first half of 2011. Isner took eventual champ Rafael Nadal five sets in a first-round match at the French Open.
"It has been a constant learning curve for me," Isner said. "I don't see why I can't play at a high level into my 30s, either. I'm really happy where I'm at, and I'm really looking forward to getting better."
Isner always credits his four years at the University of Georgia, where he played and won regularly, in helping build confidence.
"If I turned pro four years earlier, I would have taken a lot of beatings," Isner said. "My confidence would have dipped, and I wouldn't have had much fun playing tennis. That might have led to burnout, which might have led to me not playing tennis anymore. (Waiting) was definitely the right decision to me."
