ATP World Tour: John Isner rises to No. 14 in the world
After a slow start to the 2017 season, American tennis standout John Isner has made a massive leap into the Top 15 on the ATP World Tour rankings.
The 2017 ATP season has been one of the best in recent memory for American men’s tennis. Sam Querrey became the first American male to reach a Grand Slam semifinal since 2009, Jack Sock achieved a career-best ranking of No. 14 in the world, and future stars secured massive upsets.
With the 2017 US Open on the horizon, the most consistent American male of the post-Roddick era is making a triumphant return to form.
John Isner won a title in every season between 2010 and 2015, but went cold in 2016. His troubles mounted in 2017, but he proved resilient in the face of adversity by fighting back and ending his title drought with back-to-back crowns.
Coming off of a semifinal appearance at the Western & Southern Open, Isner’s resurgent run has resulted in a jump to No. 14 on the ATP World Tour—the highest ranking of any active American male.
Congrats to @JohnIsner #BBTAO 2017 Singles Champ on becoming the top American male! pic.twitter.com/crzLCbwysh
— Atlanta Open 🎾 (@ATLOpenTennis) August 21, 2017
Isner, who has finished in the Top 20 in seven consecutive seasons, is gaining significant momentum ahead of the 2017 US Open.
Isner made a deep run to the semifinals at the Rome Masters, but that was one of his few quality results prior to July. Nonetheless, he upset Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic, and secured quality wins over Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Florian Mayer.
After a disappointing loss in the Round of 32 at Wimbledon, however, Isner was left searching for answers during the most trying year of his professional career.
Isner bounced back by winning the Hall of Fame Open on July 23, and the Atlanta Open on July 30—a brilliant run during which he didn’t drop a set.
Most recently, Isner reached the semifinals of a Masters 1000 series event for the second time this season: the Western & Southern Open. It was yet another step in the right direction for one of American tennis’ most prominent figures.
Isner, who reached the quarterfinals at the 2011 US Open, will look to carry his recent momentum over into Flushing Meadows.
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During a resurgent year for American men’s tennis, it’s 32-year-old John Isner who has best positioned himself for a run at glory.