John Isner loses to compatriot Michael Mmoh in five sets at the US Open, ending his singles career emotionally
- John Isner lost the final set in a stunning 10-7 tiebreak to Michael Mmoh
- The 38-year-old is still participating in the doubles match of the US Open this afternoon
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John Isner’s tennis career is over after his US Open second-round defeat to compatriot Michael Mmoh.
Isner lost in five sets, 6-3 6-4 6-7 (7-3) 4-6 6-7 (10-7), and was in tears when his game ended in defeat. The American struggled for words as fans in the stands cheered him on.
“This is why I’ve worked so hard all my life – to play in an atmosphere like this. To play for this audience is quite special. Thanks,” a tearful Isner said.
The 38-year-old Isner announced before the tournament, on August 23, that he would retire after the tournament in Flushing Meadows.
He is still involved in doubles at the New York tournament, but this defeat means the end of his time in singles.’
John Isner looked devastated after his loss to compatriot Michael Mmoh on Thursday
Isner received a huge round of applause from the crowd in the stands after his singles career ended
The 38-year-old was saddened after his five-set defeat on day four of the US Open
Mmoh came from two sets down to continue his shock run at Flushing Meadows
Amazingly, Isner has to regain his composure ahead of his doubles match with Jack Sock against compatriot Robert Galloway and Frenchman Albano Olivetti.
Adding another 48 aces to his record tally, Isner started strong winning the first two sets before the physical nature of the match took its toll on the towering 38-year-old.
Mmoh, 25, grew in confidence after winning the third set tiebreaker and rode an early break in the fourth set to force a decider.
Isner had match point at 5-4 in the fifth, but Mmoh served out of trouble and tied the score with a drop shot.
Fittingly for Isner, who was involved in the longest professional match ever, his final set came down to a tiebreak and a stick volley at the net gave him a 4-2 lead that sent the crowd to their feet.
Isner won 16 singles titles in his career, the largest of which was the 2018 Miami Open title
He struggled to control his emotions after the match as he was knocked out in the second round
Isner and Mmoh then hugged, after which the latter would face Jack Draper
However, Mmoh refused to back down and completed the comeback when Isner’s small volley landed in the net.
Isner turned pro in 2007 and reached a career high of number eight in the world. He won 16 singles titles, the largest of which was the Miami Open crown in 2018, his most successful season.
He won the longest professional tennis match in history against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, lasting 11 hours 5 minutes and lasting three days.
The All-England Club was also the site of his best result at a Grand Slam tournament, reaching the semifinals in 2018. He made the US Open quarters twice, in 2011 and 2018.