After Losing Three Match Points, Isner Says, “It Was a Great Atmosphere”

Written by: Staff on 13th November 2011

BNP Paribas 2011 Masters Tennis Tournament

After Losing Three Match Points, Isner Says, “It Was a Great Atmosphere”

John Isner of the US returns the ball to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their semi-final match at the BNP Paribas 2011 Masters Tennis tournament in Paris, France, 12 November 2011. EPA/IAN LANGSDON |

Tennis marathon man John Isner can’t help but re-live his three missed match points in his tense, three-hour semi-final loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Paris Masters. The American was bidding for the chance to challenge Roger Federer for the title but could not convert on his opportunities in the crucial 12th game of the final set.

“I was one point away from being in the finals, but it just wasn’t to be,” said the two-meter-plus American. “He came up with the goods, and hats off to him.

“On the first match point I barely got the ball to the net. The second one he put a good first serve in, and when he runs around the backhand you’re on the defense and it’s tough. The third one was one I could have had. I just hit a backhand long, but I’d rather hit it long than hit it in the net.” Tsonga claimed victory 36, 76 (1), 76 (3).

Isner said that the pro-French fans at Bercy was obviously on the side of their player.
“The crowd was mostly against me, but not in a bad way. They wanted Jo to win but they were very respectful, and it was a great atmosphere.

“That’s why I play this game, to get moments like that.”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”