FLUSHING, NY—We owe you a debt of gratitude here at Tennis Atlantic, John Isner. When we started this blog over 12 years ago, you were there. You always took questions from everyone at press conferences. You never seemed to get rattled on or off the court and kept a zen-like presence about you. You were so much more than your marathon match for which you will be remembered in tennis history. You were “Johnny Tiebreak”, the first man to win 500 tiebreaks in the Open Era. You were our American #1 at a time when we needed one, in between the 1990s and today, where a crop of young talent seems to emulate you and even look like you today.
Even in your rankings prime, you made sure to make it out to every ATP 250 event in America. Your name is synonymous with Delray Beach, Newport and Atlanta. You were so good at this game that finally, even the offspring of casual fans learned how to pronounce your last name.
You could’ve been an NBA player. We’re glad you chose tennis. We’re glad you chose to spend the time with us. You never stopped rooting so hard for your alma mater, Georgia, or your love of college tennis.
You were there when we needed you, John, and for that, thank you.
Tennis Atlantic 
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