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John Isner: early 2018 struggles, no need to worry just yet

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: John Isner of the United States plays a backhand in his first round match against Matthew Ebden of Australia on day one of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: John Isner of the United States plays a backhand in his first round match against Matthew Ebden of Australia on day one of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) /
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John Isner has just one singles match win so far on the 2018 ATP World Tour. After going 1-1 at Delray Beach, he must continue looking ahead.

It’s not time to worry about John Isner… at least, not yet. The American tennis veteran splashed out of Auckland, the Australian Open, and then again at the New York Open. He fell in his openers at each of those three tournaments. Despite the rocky start to the 2018 ATP World Tour though, Isner still has plenty of time to rediscover his game this year.

Isner goes 1-1 at the Delray Beach Open. His opening round win is a critical one. Getting revenge against Radu Albot of Moldova, Isner defeats him just one week after dropping his match to Albot at the New York Open.

The 32-year-old American is the current world No. 18 in men’s singles tennis. He has gone as high as the world No. 9 ranking in the sport. Isner has 12 singles titles to his resume and is proven to be able to hang with the best in tennis. While he rough start to 2018 is somewhat troubling, Isner has the experience necessary to bounce back.

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John Isner represents the veteran generation of American men’s tennis.

Right now, young up and comers such as Jack Sock are making headlines for American men’s tennis. While Sock is also off to a rocky start in 2018, he has had a strong last twelve months on tour. Others, such as Sam Querrey and Isner, have a much larger amount of experience on tour. Even at 32-years-old, Isner can break back into the ATP Top 10.

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Look for American John Isner to settle down and rediscover himself in the coming weeks.

The towering John Isner cannot be discounted in any tournament. While he may slip in the rankings during the short-term, he ought to be considered a top contender throughout the entirety of the 2018 ATP World Tour. Right now, Swiss great Roger Federer sits atop the rankings. He is the overall player to beat. If he steps away during the clay court season though, Isner and others can take advantage. Stay tuned to see how the American fares after his tough start to the year and check back for updates on all of the action in the coming weeks.

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