John Isner has never before passed through the third round of Roland Garros. All his fans are aware about his nice skills on clay, even though his win-loss record on this surface doesn't reflect it yet. You may remember John confirm his preferences to clay court in various interviews with mass media. We think that John is ready to show his A-class game, and his strength on clay is maybe the most considerable compared to other surfaces at the moment. This is because Isner hasn't had enough practice this season, so his endurance would be in danger on fats surfaces. However, French Open courts are not very fast, and he will have enough time to follow the ball. We would like to say that from our perspective the tough period for John Isner in this season has ended, and he will improve his results in every next tournament. At least, we hope so. Sure thing, Tommy Haas is not a type of a sportsman who will easily let to beat himself, and his game during the previous year was marvelous. He defeated Isner this year already, but John will try to use his strong sides and the weak ones of Haas (his age for example). And we are sure that it is expected to be one of the most spectacular matches of the week.
Pick: John Isner to win
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
01 June 2013
29 May 2013
John Isner vs Ryan Harrison match preview
It was a great match from John Isner against Carlos Berlocq recently. We didn't even expected that he would win in straight sets which were quite easy - 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Thus, Isner saved his strength and stamina for the next matches of the Roland Garros. Today, he is going to play vs his fellow American player, young Ryan Harrison (ATP ranking #92). The head-to-head statistics is for John Isner - 3-1. The latest match he won was this season in Houston on clay in straight sets.
Analyzing John's performance in the match vs Argentinian a couple of days ago, we can see 14 aces, an average serve speed of 202 kph, plus the winners/unforced errors rate is superb (52-29). Well, Isner showed really good tennis, and despite he was loosing 2-4 in the 3rd set against Berlocq, he was able to tie the set. So, we can assume that Big John is in the mood for advancing far at the French Open. However, Isner may loose one set just in sympathy with Ryan Harrison, one of the members of the US Davis Cup team. That is why our prediction is John Isner's win in 4 sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.5 at Bet365
Analyzing John's performance in the match vs Argentinian a couple of days ago, we can see 14 aces, an average serve speed of 202 kph, plus the winners/unforced errors rate is superb (52-29). Well, Isner showed really good tennis, and despite he was loosing 2-4 in the 3rd set against Berlocq, he was able to tie the set. So, we can assume that Big John is in the mood for advancing far at the French Open. However, Isner may loose one set just in sympathy with Ryan Harrison, one of the members of the US Davis Cup team. That is why our prediction is John Isner's win in 4 sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.5 at Bet365
27 May 2013
John Isner vs Carlos Berlocq match preview
Finally, the second Grand Slam of the current tennis season has just began. The first day's matches were already played, and now it's time for John Isner to show what he is able for on clay surface. His first match is against Carlos Berlocq (ATP ranking #71) from Argentina. Well, these players haven't met each other on court before, so it will be a debut match for them today. Berlocq is a rather good clay surface player, which have a nice record on it. But it also should be mentioned that Carlos rare beat players from top-25. Plus, his game performance is poorer than in the previous season. He hasn't played a lot recently and seems to have some problems with his stamina.
As for John Isner, he definitely needs to advance far at the French Open if he wants to stay in top. And we should say that he has quite nice chances of doing it. Firstly, let's remember his great victory vs Rodger Federer on clay last year. Secondly, John took 2(!) sets against Nadal(!) at the French Open 2011. And thirdly, Big Man won a clay tournament in Houston in April this year, having beaten one of the most experienced clay court players, Nicolas Almagro, in straight sets in the final.
Taking all thoughts into consideration, we hope Isner to win the match vs Berlocq in 4 sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
5.0 at Bet365
As for John Isner, he definitely needs to advance far at the French Open if he wants to stay in top. And we should say that he has quite nice chances of doing it. Firstly, let's remember his great victory vs Rodger Federer on clay last year. Secondly, John took 2(!) sets against Nadal(!) at the French Open 2011. And thirdly, Big Man won a clay tournament in Houston in April this year, having beaten one of the most experienced clay court players, Nicolas Almagro, in straight sets in the final.
Taking all thoughts into consideration, we hope Isner to win the match vs Berlocq in 4 sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
5.0 at Bet365
22 May 2013
John Isner vs Robin Haase match preview
Hi, dear fans of John Isner!
Again we will see an interesting match with his participation and one more time the beginning of the tournament is not expected to be easy for the American player, to be more precise, the reason is the current form of Robin Haase. First of all, we need to note that Haase is an inconvenient opponent for Big Man. They played two times on hard surface in 2010 and 2011. Both matches were tough, ended 7-5 in the third set, and Haase won one of those rivalries. Guys are playing in Nice now, both players were in the quarterfinals here (Haase in 2011, John Isner in 2012. We should pay attention that Haase is good in long rallies, he likes clay surface best of all and he is improving his game from match to match this season. His win/loss record this season is 15/13, while John has collected 13/13. And Robin Haase had a perfect start of the clay season, with 10 victories and only 5 defeats (he lost to strong players). All these circumstances lead to the conclusion that John should do his best to defeat Haase and gain a good warm-up before the French Open Grand Slam.
Pick: John Isner 2-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
Again we will see an interesting match with his participation and one more time the beginning of the tournament is not expected to be easy for the American player, to be more precise, the reason is the current form of Robin Haase. First of all, we need to note that Haase is an inconvenient opponent for Big Man. They played two times on hard surface in 2010 and 2011. Both matches were tough, ended 7-5 in the third set, and Haase won one of those rivalries. Guys are playing in Nice now, both players were in the quarterfinals here (Haase in 2011, John Isner in 2012. We should pay attention that Haase is good in long rallies, he likes clay surface best of all and he is improving his game from match to match this season. His win/loss record this season is 15/13, while John has collected 13/13. And Robin Haase had a perfect start of the clay season, with 10 victories and only 5 defeats (he lost to strong players). All these circumstances lead to the conclusion that John should do his best to defeat Haase and gain a good warm-up before the French Open Grand Slam.
Pick: John Isner 2-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
17 April 2013
Isner confident he can return to form on the clay
At this time last year John Isner was a top ten player. He'd helped to send the USA into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup with wins over the likes of Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, achieved a runner-up finish in Indian Wells, and finished as the runner-up in Houston too. Judging on the basis of these results, it's surprising that Isner hasn't been able to push on and make a real name for himself. Instead, whilst Isner hasn't been playing badly, he's now ranked outside of the top twenty.
With the European clay swing now underway, Isner will be looking to improve upon his 12-8 win/loss record for 2013. He only won 3 matches during the swing last season, missing out on major opportunities to pick up ranking points in Madrid and Rome, as well as at the French Open. Despite all of this, and the fact that Isner isn't your stereotypical dirtballing expert, there's good reason to believe that the American can make a big impression over the next few months.
"I've always known I could play well on clay," said Isner after bettering his 2012 Houston effort by winning the US Men's Clay Court Championship. This perhaps shouldn't come as a surprise. Isner may not possess the movement and scrambling skills of Murray, Djokovic or Nadal, but he's without a doubt one of the most nimble big men in the ATP. To add to this, his powerful forehand allows him to control points from the baseline, which is a valuable talent to possess on clay. His big serve shouldn't be ignored either. Yes, clay is generally the slowest surface, but the 6'9" star still managed to fire home 64 aces in Houston, beating Pete Sampras' tournament record of 60, set in 2002.
Isner accepted a late wildcard entry into the Monte Carlo Masters, and like last year he'll compete in Madrid and Rome before making his way to Roland Garros. A lengthy run at just one of these events will give Isner a boost that could send him back to the top twenty. He seems to be confident, and his decision to compete in Monte Carlo reflects this. If he can maintain his sparkling Houston form, Isner could have a huge two months ahead of him.
Written by Ian Horne from Live-Tennis.com
With the European clay swing now underway, Isner will be looking to improve upon his 12-8 win/loss record for 2013. He only won 3 matches during the swing last season, missing out on major opportunities to pick up ranking points in Madrid and Rome, as well as at the French Open. Despite all of this, and the fact that Isner isn't your stereotypical dirtballing expert, there's good reason to believe that the American can make a big impression over the next few months.
"I've always known I could play well on clay," said Isner after bettering his 2012 Houston effort by winning the US Men's Clay Court Championship. This perhaps shouldn't come as a surprise. Isner may not possess the movement and scrambling skills of Murray, Djokovic or Nadal, but he's without a doubt one of the most nimble big men in the ATP. To add to this, his powerful forehand allows him to control points from the baseline, which is a valuable talent to possess on clay. His big serve shouldn't be ignored either. Yes, clay is generally the slowest surface, but the 6'9" star still managed to fire home 64 aces in Houston, beating Pete Sampras' tournament record of 60, set in 2002.
Isner accepted a late wildcard entry into the Monte Carlo Masters, and like last year he'll compete in Madrid and Rome before making his way to Roland Garros. A lengthy run at just one of these events will give Isner a boost that could send him back to the top twenty. He seems to be confident, and his decision to compete in Monte Carlo reflects this. If he can maintain his sparkling Houston form, Isner could have a huge two months ahead of him.
Written by Ian Horne from Live-Tennis.com
12 April 2013
John Isner vs Ricardas Berankis match preview
Since the US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston is a 250 ATP tournament, we don't need to wait long for a quarterfinal. Today John Isner is going to play vs Ricardas Berankis (ATP ranking #77) from Lithuania. He is a young tennis player who has a good record on hard surface as well as Isner, and not bad clay statistics. Berankis had to defeat Tommy Haas to advance to the quarterfinal, and he did it in straight sets, but it is not an important factor because of two reasons. First of all, Berankis hasn't shown any special achievements this season, and the win vs Haas was rather an exception. Secondly, Tommy himself was more likely demotivated because he has recently had several big victories at different tournaments, plus the change of surface played its role.
Isner and Berankis hasn't had head-to-head stats yet. Furthermore, it is the very first appearance at this tournament in Houston for Ricardas.
In conclusion, we would say that John's performance in Houston is pretty good, so our prediction will be his win in straight sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.10 at Bet365
Isner and Berankis hasn't had head-to-head stats yet. Furthermore, it is the very first appearance at this tournament in Houston for Ricardas.
In conclusion, we would say that John's performance in Houston is pretty good, so our prediction will be his win in straight sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.10 at Bet365
09 April 2013
John Isner vs Ryan Harrison match preview
The US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston has just begun. The first John Isner's match at this tournament will be versus young fellow tennis player Ryan Harrison (ATP ranking #93). The tournament is held on clay court, and as we know both Isner and Harrison are not big fans of this surface, having more losses than wins on it. However, John Isner is on much higher level than Harrison, despite he lost to Ryan at the beginning of the season in Sydney (more likely because of his injury). Furthermore, John showed great tennis playing for the US Davis Cup team against Serbia several days ago. The first set of the match vs Novac Djokovic was really spectacular.
The head-to-head statistics is 2-1 for Isner, both matches he won in straight sets. Isner's experience in Houston is rather successful - played in two quarterfinals, reached final last season.
We suppose John to repeat his last year result at the US Men's Clay Court Championship and advance as far as possible. And taking all thoughts above into consideration, we hope the match will end in straight sets for John Isner.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.10 at Bet365
The head-to-head statistics is 2-1 for Isner, both matches he won in straight sets. Isner's experience in Houston is rather successful - played in two quarterfinals, reached final last season.
We suppose John to repeat his last year result at the US Men's Clay Court Championship and advance as far as possible. And taking all thoughts above into consideration, we hope the match will end in straight sets for John Isner.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.10 at Bet365
19 February 2013
John Isner vs Denis Istomin match preview
There is no time to wait and rest for tennis players because a new tournament in the US has started - U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships, Memphis. In the match of the first round John Isner will face Denis Istomin (ATP ranking #63) from Uzbekistan. Istomin is not an indoor surface player at all, having 64-63 of the win-loss record.
John already defeated Denis in Indianapolis in 2009, and that's all their head-to-head statistics for the moment.
We can't help but mention the match Isner played vs Haas at the last week's tournament in San Jose. His game and form was like in the old good times when John could beat any top player. He played not only on his own serve, but on Tommy's one as well; the movements were almost perfect and Isner attacked a lot. And Tommy Haas wasn't worse - he showed probably his best tennis recently, but it wasn't enough to overcome Milos Raonic with his phenomenal game in the final.
So, we think John Isner is warmed up and ready for more achievements, plus he has 5 years of a pretty good experience here in Memphis, that's why our pick for the match is that John will win in straight sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.20 at Bet365
John already defeated Denis in Indianapolis in 2009, and that's all their head-to-head statistics for the moment.
We can't help but mention the match Isner played vs Haas at the last week's tournament in San Jose. His game and form was like in the old good times when John could beat any top player. He played not only on his own serve, but on Tommy's one as well; the movements were almost perfect and Isner attacked a lot. And Tommy Haas wasn't worse - he showed probably his best tennis recently, but it wasn't enough to overcome Milos Raonic with his phenomenal game in the final.
So, we think John Isner is warmed up and ready for more achievements, plus he has 5 years of a pretty good experience here in Memphis, that's why our pick for the match is that John will win in straight sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
2.20 at Bet365
15 February 2013
John Isner vs Xavier Malisse match preview
So far so good - the first match of the SAP Open was successful for John, and now it's time for the quarterfinal where Isner is going to play against Xavier Malisse from Belgium (ATP ranking #53).
Surely, Xavier Malisse is a strong player and he is able to make a game tough and nervous. Although Xavier is a European, he plays well on hard (better then on clay surface) and likes American tournaments.
As we can see from the head-to-head statistics, the first two matches were won by Malisse in 2010, and then, last season, Isner defeated the Belgium in Nice and at the US Open. The time has passed, and Isner has become more experienced and skillful tennis player. In the same time, Malisse is already 30 years old; plus, it will be difficult for him to make a break if John's serve is OK. So we wish Isner strong and precise shots he can make, and suppose him to win in 3 sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
Surely, Xavier Malisse is a strong player and he is able to make a game tough and nervous. Although Xavier is a European, he plays well on hard (better then on clay surface) and likes American tournaments.
As we can see from the head-to-head statistics, the first two matches were won by Malisse in 2010, and then, last season, Isner defeated the Belgium in Nice and at the US Open. The time has passed, and Isner has become more experienced and skillful tennis player. In the same time, Malisse is already 30 years old; plus, it will be difficult for him to make a break if John's serve is OK. So we wish Isner strong and precise shots he can make, and suppose him to win in 3 sets.
Pick: John Isner 2-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
13 February 2013
John Isner vs Vasek Pospisil match preview
Initially, the tournament in San Jose (indoor court) wasn't in John Isner's schedule, but he hasn't gained a lot of ATP points recently, so now John needs to play often and consistently to keep and then raise his rankings. Besides, it's an US tournament, and we know Isner likes to play in his native country, so it's a good chance for him to move forward. Big John starts to play in the round of 16 against Vasek Pospisil (ATP rankings #130), a young and quite perspective player. Although Vasek plays not so well on grass and clay, his indoors/hard record is better, and he even managed to defeat Isner in Valencia 2011. We should note that indoors is not a favorite surface of John, but still he's been gaining more and more experience on it each year. Moreover, we believe John Isner really desires to left behind his indistinct matches he played at the beginning of the season and return to tennis form we all love Isner for.
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
1.5 at Bet365
Pick: John Isner 2-0
Bookmakers odds:
1.5 at Bet365
05 February 2013
John Isner schedule 2013
We know that John Isner has a lot of fans around the world. Some of them like him as a celebrity, others respect Isner for his great tennis and personal qualities. And, of course, there are many-many other reasons. We would like to post a new schedule for 2013 (which is published at the official web site of Isner) for all of those who are interested in John's tennis career and watch his games.
Unfortunately, Isner got his knee injured and couldn't play at the Australian Open this year. But let's hope the rest of the season will be successful and bring John to new heights!
Unfortunately, Isner got his knee injured and couldn't play at the Australian Open this year. But let's hope the rest of the season will be successful and bring John to new heights!
| 1 January 2012 | Hopman Cup | Perth, Australia |
| 9 January 2012 | Heineken Open | Auckland, New Zealand |
| 14 January 2012 | Australian Open | Melbourne, Australia |
| 11 February 2012 | ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament | Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
| 18 February 2012 | Region Morgan Keegan Championships | Memphis, United States |
| 25 February 2012 | Delray Beach International Tennis Championships | Delray Beach, United States |
| 7 March 2012 | BNP Paribas Open | Indian Wells, United States |
| 20 March 2012 | Sony Ericsson Open | Miami, United States |
| 8 April 2012 | US Men's Clay Court Championship | Houston, United States |
| 5 May 2012 | Mutua Madrid Open | Madrid, Spain |
| 12 May 2012 | Internazionali BNL d'Italia | Rome, Italy |
| 26 May 2012 | Roland Garros | Paris, France |
| 24 June 2012 | Wimbledon | London, Great Britain |
| 22 July 2012 | Atlanta Tennis Championships | Atlanta, United States |
| 39 July 2012 | Legg Mason Tennis Classic | Washington D.C., United States |
| 5 August 2012 | Rogers Cup | Toronto, Canada |
| 11 August 2012 | Western & Southern Open | Cincinatti, United States |
| 26 August 2012 | US Open | New York, United States |
| 30 September 2012 | China Open | Beijing, China |
| 6 October 2012 | Shanghai Rolex Masters | Shanghai, China |
 |
| atpworldtour.com |
03 February 2013
John Isner vs Thomaz Bellucci match preview
Most fans of the USA Davis Cup team expected it to win vs Brazil 3-0 with the help of Bryan brothers, and then John Isner's match against Thomaz Bellucci would be only formal. But to our great surprise the unbeatable doubles lost in 5 sets, and now Isner should play very seriously.
Bellucci, currently ranked #36, is a clay court tennis player, his doesn't have a good record on hard (59/62 win-loss), but sometimes the Brazilian is able to compete with favorites on hard surface. So it's better to be careful with him and stay concentrated the whole match.
From past experience, we can say that John's performance at the Davis Cup was rather successful, he always tried to do his best to bring a victory to his country. And taking into consideration that today's match vs Bellucci may be decisive, Isner should show his fighting skills and win the game despite his recently cured injury, which might lead to the result 3-1 on sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
Bellucci, currently ranked #36, is a clay court tennis player, his doesn't have a good record on hard (59/62 win-loss), but sometimes the Brazilian is able to compete with favorites on hard surface. So it's better to be careful with him and stay concentrated the whole match.
From past experience, we can say that John's performance at the Davis Cup was rather successful, he always tried to do his best to bring a victory to his country. And taking into consideration that today's match vs Bellucci may be decisive, Isner should show his fighting skills and win the game despite his recently cured injury, which might lead to the result 3-1 on sets.
Pick: John Isner 3-1
Bookmakers odds:
3.75 at Bet365
02 February 2013
Welcome back, John Isner!
We are so glad that John Isner is back to tennis after a quite long break connected with his knee injury. As we know, John is a patriotic guy, so he couldn't refuse to play at the Davis Cup 2013. In the first round USA meets Brazil, and yesterday Isner played a match vs Thiago Alves. His opponent isn't the strongest player in ATP (#141), so John defeated the Brazilian in 3 sets (6-3, 7-6, 6-3), plus he had a nice warm-up. As usual, John's serve was his key weapon, he made a lot of aces and his legs moved well. At the same time, it was obvious that Isner hasn't played for a while and his shots were not so precise. But he managed to find his rhythm at the last set, and we hope John Isner will be in tennis elite again very soon. Good luck to John and the USA team as well!
13 November 2012
John Isner recent news
At his Facebook page, Big John is encouraging his fans to buy tickets for the "Ebix Charity Challenge hosted by John Isner". The event will take place at UNC Chapel Hill on December 8, 2012. Isner says that this event is very important for him as well as for his family because "all proceeds benefit the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Come out for a great day of tennis and support a truly special cause! Buy your tickets today!". The tickets are sold at ebixcharitychallenge.eventbrite.com
On November 11, John Isner together with his girlfriend Madison McKinley attended the wedding of American tennis player James Blake and Emily Snider. Among one hundred and fifty guests, there were also fellow players Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and Robby Ginepri.
To top it off, we offer you some recent photos of John and Madison which were published at her Twitter page. Enjoy!
On November 11, John Isner together with his girlfriend Madison McKinley attended the wedding of American tennis player James Blake and Emily Snider. Among one hundred and fifty guests, there were also fellow players Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and Robby Ginepri.
To top it off, we offer you some recent photos of John and Madison which were published at her Twitter page. Enjoy!
02 November 2012
Summarizing ATP 2012 season
As we approach the end of the year, we would like to summarize 2012 season which John Isner played well. He improved his rankings in comparison with the previous tennis season, showed us great victories over Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych and other strong and competitive players. John Isner became a champion in Winston-Salem and Newport, reached the finals at the BNP Paribas Open and US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston. What's more, with the great help of Big John the US team achieved the semifinal at the Davis Cup. The last few months were less productive, but nevertheless Isner occupies leader positions in several of Ricoh ATP MatchFacts categories. We wish you, John, to have a good time and can't wait to see you in the next season even in greater form!
General statistics
Ranking at the start of 2012 season:
#18
Current ATP ranking (on November 2, 2012):
#11
Career high:
#9 (on April 16, 2012)
Prize money 2012:
$1,309,870
Total matches win-loss:
45-20
Ricoh ATP MatchFacts 2012
General statistics
Ranking at the start of 2012 season:
#18
Current ATP ranking (on November 2, 2012):
#11
Career high:
#9 (on April 16, 2012)
Prize money 2012:
$1,309,870
Total matches win-loss:
45-20
Ricoh ATP MatchFacts 2012
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