John Isner Advances to Round of 16

Written by: Staff on 12th March 2012

John Isner Advances to Round of 16 |

Indian Wells, CA – In front of a packed Stadium 2 crowd, John Isner defeated Juan Monaco of Argentina 7-5. The crowd, firmly in favor of the tall American, was treated to an excellent serving display by both men. The lack of rhythm Isner gave his opponent today showed as the Argentine committed many unforced errors throughout the match. It wasn’t too pretty on Isner’s side of the court yet that’s all part of the plan. Here’s Isner talking about how U.S. Davis Cup coach Jim Courier has helped him develop his own style: “He told me I needed to keep my foot on the gas the whole match and play aggressively. And if I make 25 mistakes in a row, so be it. I’m also not giving him any rhythm.”

Things continued to be even between the two players the entire first set. Isner was able to hold serve easily but had to save 2 break points at 2-all, he did so by blasting a couple 139mph serves. Monaco played intelligently by pinning Isner into the backhand corner before taking advantage of the American’s movement. He didn’t always go side to side, he’d go two to the backhand, sometimes three, then go to the Isner forehand corner. It worked well because Isner wasn’t hitting too cleanly and struggled on the run. At 5-6, Monaco serving, Isner found himself at break point thanks to Monaco’s errors. The Argentine hit a first serve that landed right on the line but it was called out. Monaco challenged, the call was overturned. Isner was able to get the first serve back on the replay point and nerves took over Monaco as he framed a routine forehand into the stands. Monaco was visibly furious at the chair umpire over the situation as he walked to sit down for the change over. Isner, fist pumped silently to his box which included Lacoste-counterpart Denis Kudla and a sneaky Mark Knowles who had a towel draped around him to hide from the sun.

The second set followed in the same way as the first. And again at 5-6, Monaco serving, Isner set himself up with a few match points. It took Isner 4 match points before finally converting on a Monaco backhand long. Isner now faces the winner of the Mardy Fish/Matthew Ebden match.

Topics: John Isner, Juan Monaco