KRISTEN’S KOURT: Hewitt Halts Isner in Indian Wells By Kristen Tracy

Written by: Staff on 9th March 2013

KRISTEN'S KOURT: Hewitt Halts Isner in Indian Wells By Kristen Tracy

epa03587721 John Isner of the US hits a return against Tommy Haas of Germany during the SAP Open tennis at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, USA 16 February 2013. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

This time last year, John Isner was beating the world no. 1, cracking the top ten, and becoming the highest ranked American for the first time in his career. Today, the 6-foot-10 Isner didn’t fare so well. Instead of beginning the defense of his epic 2012 run to the final of the BNP Paribas Open, Isner found himself losing 600 rankings points and landing outside the top 20 after Australian Lleyton Hewitt beat him 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-4.

It started routinely for Isner, who extended his 2013 undefeated tiebreak record by claiming the first set. But as the match continued on, it became apparent that the knee injury that forced the American to pull out of Australia may not be completely healed after all. Isner has never been the fastest guy on the court, but for a guy his size he’s always been able to maneuver fairly well. But early on in the second set he began to fade – and the Australian began to take full advantage.

Hewitt came out with nothing to lose. At 32, he’s still a fighter. But he’s had five surgeries in the last four years. And anyone who has had to have any kind of surgery knows how difficult it can be to come back from. But for a professional tennis player, who uses almost every muscle and bone when they play, it can be scary and career-ending, but Hewitt still continues to be a contender. And although he may never be able to get back into the top 20 – or even 30 – seeing his name on that draw sheet still makes his opponents nervous.

Hewitt will next face Stanislas Wawrinka, who beat another American Wayne Odesnik to reach the third round. And although he may no longer be in the singles draw, John Isner will pair up once again with Sam Querrey to face Bob and Mike Bryan – who easily began their quest for their first ever BNP Paribas Open title with a 6-2, 7-5 win in the first round.

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