Michael Mmo ended John Isner’s career with a five-set victory at the US Open

NEW YORK – John Isner’s 17-year tennis career came to an end Thursday when he lost in the second round to fellow American Michael Mmo 3-6 4-6 7-6(3), 6-4 7-6(3). (7) At the US Open.

The world number eight previously announced that he would retire after the tournament With social media sharing last week.

After a match that lasted just under four hours, the 38-year-old Isner addressed the crowd in tears and sobs.

“That’s why I’ve tried my best my whole life to play in conditions like this,” Isner said. “I might not win it all, we know, just like today. Playing in front of this crowd and having the support I had is very special.”

As he exited the stadium, he received a standing ovation from the stands and stopped to wave in appreciation before making it to the exit.

Isner leaves tennis, having reached the highest levels in this sport. A star at the University of Georgia, he won the NCAA doubles title in 2005 and the team title in 2007. Isner turned professional in 2007 and surprised even himself with what he managed to achieve throughout his career.

“I think I crossed the line,” Isner said on Friday. “I never imagined I would be so successful this long.”

These achievements include 16 ATP singles titles, eight doubles titles, a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon in 2018, and a string of 10 seasons in which he finished in the top 20 at the end of the year. And in eight of those seasons, he was the highest-ranked All-American male. . He is also the ATP record holder for the most aces in his career with 14,470 – he added 48 more to his collection in his final match – and for the fastest serve at 157.2 mph.

“I think he has the best serve in the history of the game,” triple Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said on Tuesday. “Amazing technique. 1st and 2nd transmissions can do everything with it.”

In addition to his towering 6-foot-10 physique, Isner is perhaps best known for his role in the longest match in professional tennis history. During the first round at Wimbledon in 2010, Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a match that lasted over 11 hours, spanned three days, and required 183 matches.

Isner is currently ranked No. 157 and has struggled this season. His first round victory over Facundo Diaz Acosta on Tuesday marked his first major win of the season and only his ninth win of the year. He has been candid when speaking to the media about the impact of his inability to play and train at the level he would like to influence his decision to retire.

“I wanted to play as long as possible,” Isner said. “If my results were better this year, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you now. But that wasn’t the case.

“This year has been difficult from a health standpoint; I’ve had a foot problem that’s been bothering me for a long time. I haven’t been able to really train at all, but I was still playing without much practice. It wasn’t much fun.” “It’s become very stressful for me, just trying to stay healthy and I haven’t really been able to do it. The competition isn’t 100% for very long this year, (it’s been) very stressful for me mentally. Then you have to take some Losses here and there, and it becomes difficult, a little bit discouraging.”

During the two games he played in New York, he had tape on his left knee and right leg. But Eisner insisted he does not regret his decision and is looking forward to spending time with his wife and four children, in addition to pursuing other interests. He said he would probably do some TV work as an analyst and explore business opportunities.

After his victory in the first round on Tuesday, he was honored with a ceremony at Louis Armstrong Stadium. There was a video showing some of his career highlights; The tournament presented him with a framed photo. He was joined on the field by his family and friends, including former players Sam Querrey and Bob and Mike Bryan.

But he was emphatic when he told the audience he wasn’t done yet.

“It wasn’t farewell yet,” he said. “I’m still alive. I’m actually pretty good, so I’m going to try to keep this going for as long as I can.”

A few hours later, Isner headed into full retirement after losing his doubles match alongside Jack Sock, another American who said the US Open would be his last. They were defeated by Robert Galloway and Albano Olivetti 6-2 3-6 7-6 (10-3) on Court 12.

Information from the Associated Press is used in this report.