Open-bound Isner aims for high life
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut: Big-serving American John Isner, who smashed a stunning 144 aces on his way to the final in Washington, has no doubt he can compete with the world's top players.
"Everyone on tour is tough," Isner said. "Mentally I know that I can compete with these guys compared to in college where all the guys hit well, but aren't mentally strong.
"When I am serving well, I like to think I am unbreakable. Obviously not, but it puts pressure on the opponent."
Isner, who has received a wild card for next week's US Open, takes on Germany's Benjamin Becker in the first round here this week, the final tune-up event for the season's last Grand Slam tournament.
The 6-foot-9 American beat Becker in Washington before advancing to the final as a wild-card in just his second-career ATP tournament.
Isner, 22, won five straight matches in third-set tiebreakers, beating veterans Tim Henman and Tommy Haas along the way, before losing to Andy Roddick in the final.
Despite the defeat, Isner walked away with new-found fame.
The 192nd-ranked player, who was 416 in the world just a few weeks ago, is now being hounded for autographs and interview requests.
"It's something I was certainly not used to before. It means I must be doing something right," Isner said.
The former University of Georgia student, who led his school to a US college team crown in May but lost the individual final, was beaten in the first round in Cincinnati last week by Spain's David Ferrer but is ready for what comes next.
"Everything went so fast after college. I never imagined it would be so fast. It's amazing," Isner said.
"Mentally I was still a little tired. I'm really feeling well right now. Ready to go."
AFP
(China Daily 08/21/2007 page23)
