The marathon man John Isner wants to become a champion
After the lengthiest ever match in the history of the game of tennis at the grass court Grand Slam tournament this season, the American tennis ace, John Isner felt the fatigue and tiredness for a couple of days ahead. It was not all because of the match that stretched for as long as eleven hours but in fact the press and television interviews kept the American quite busy.
Isner after some days was seen on the Letterman show in the city of New York to share ''The top ten thoughts that came in his mind during the lengthiest ever tennis clash”. CNN, Good Morning America and many others approached him for an interview.
''It was the hottest news on a couple of outlets, on numerous papers, several television shows and I felt good as I was the winner of that historical tennis match and I believe that it has improved my popularity to a great deal even outside the world of tennis. While, I was in a central park, a custodian who was cleaning up the mess in the park recognized me. People who perhaps didn't take interest in tennis prior to that clash at least are now aware of John Isner. And I am kind of a celebrity now, so I feel great”, said Isner.
Certainly, the right handed Isner is also a successful co-author of the lengthiest stories of tennis. The match set a couple of new records from the number of aces fired; the number of game played to the total time elapsed at the All England Club.
Isner over the last few years has improved his ranking to a great extent. He was ranked number 147 back in 2009 during the month of March, however he jumped to number thirty four by the time he reached Australia during the start of this year.
The following week in Auckland Isner captured his first trophy from one of the four finals so far this season and is now among the list of top twenty players by the ATP. The twenty five years old Isner now wants to secure a spot in the top ten list as his next target.
''Any sort of situation doesn’t really bother me a great deal now after the lengthiest ever tennis match of the grass court Grand Slam tournament as I have played the toughest of all”, he said. ''And it really boosts up my confidence level to a great deal as well, as I am aware of my capacity that I can survive for long in terms of physical fitness. That match was something that will never ever happen again for sure”, he added.
After Wimbledon, John Isner took a week’s break and then participated in the Atlanta Tennis tournament where he did pretty well to reach the final in Los Angeles. Isner after the epic match did not meet Nicolas Mahut and the two of them have never come face to face since the marathon clash.
However, there is no doubt about that both John Isner as well as Nicolas Mahut will be remembered for ages for being a part of what Isner calls ''that crazy match at the All England Club''.
Isner in a more recent interview while commenting on his link up with the marathon match said, “It is absolutely fine as its one of my achievements”, Isner said. ''I was a part of that match, so it’s natural that people will link me up with it forever, however I don't want to be recognized as a marathon man only. Hopefully, with time I will be remembered as a winner or champ of major competitions”, Isner added.
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