Big-serving John Isner calls it a career after US Open loss

NEW YORK: Big-serving John Isner bid farewell to his professional career after losing to fellow American Michael Mmoh in the U.S. Open second round on Thursday before dropping his final doubles match later in the day.

“Yeah, it’s tough. I like to think I work as hard as I can,” an emotional Isner said during an on-court interview before his voice trailed off with emotion.

“This is why I worked as hard as I have my whole life to play in atmospheres like this and of course I may not win them all as we know, just like today,” he added.

“But to play in front of this crowd and have the support I had is pretty special so thank you.”

Isner said he hopes to be remembered as a competitor on the court and a respected presence in the locker room.

“Tennis, it’s been a huge part of my life,” he told reporters while tearing up.

“It’s tough to say good-bye. It’s not easy. But eventually this day would come,” said Isner, who has four children with his wife Madison.

“Most importantly, man, I have an amazing life and look forward to every second of that going forward.”

After a successful college career at Georgia, Isner turned pro in 2007 and went on to reach a career high of world number eight. He won 16 singles titles, the biggest being the Miami Open crown in 2018, his most successful season.

He won the longest professional tennis match in history against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, which lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes and took place over three days. Agencies

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