US Open Day 2 Takeaways: Isner saves career, Mmoh stuns Khachanov
By Marvin Azrak
Day 2 at the 2023 US Open delivered a whirlwind of surprises. John Isner’s career-saving performance, Michael Mmoh’s stunning upset against Karen Khachanov, and Grigor Dimitrov and Hubert Hurkacz’s spirited comebacks took center stage.
Day 2 of the 2023 US Open delivered the goods! John Isner’s career-saving show, Michael Mmoh’s upset victory, and miraculous comebacks by Grigor Dimitrov and Hubert Hurkacz lit up the court. It was a fantastic end to a thrilling first round. It was a day that showcased the magic of tennis.
So, before we gear up for Day 3 and dive headfirst into round two, let’s unpack the juicy takeaways from Day 2 that have us salivating for more action on the court. Game on!
John Isner is still alive at the US Open!
Hold the tissues, folks! John Isner’s retirement party got postponed. The big man wasn’t ready to hang up his racket just yet. In a classic “one more match” move, Isner snagged a convincing 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(1) victory against Facundo Diaz Acosta at the 2023 US Open.
And guess who was in the crowd to witness this suspenseful encore? His wife Madison, his mom, and his tennis buddies, including the Bryan Brothers, Steve Johnson, and Sam Querrey.
It was like a throwback movie as Isner played for around two and a half hours against the 22-year-old Argentine newcomer.
He treated us to his signature big serves, smacking down 11 aces like it’s just another day at the office. He never had to face a pesky break point. The net saw 33 winners from his magical touch.
Isner soared to a 7-1 victory when pressed with the tiebreak. It felt like home for him back on American soil.
Isner’s career stats are as jaw-dropping as his mighty serve. He was in the top 20 for a decade straight (2010-19), reigning as America’s number one eight times (2012-16, 2018-20) and made it to two US Open quarterfinals, plus the Wimbledon semifinals in 2018. He’s been a mainstay at the US Open, with 17 consecutive appearances!
Isner’s also the champ of the longest tennis match ever—11 hours and 5 minutes over three days against Nicolas Mahut( 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68) at Wimbledon 2010.
Isner also holds the record for aces in ATP Tour history, with a whopping 14,411. The guy knows how to serve up an ace and a legacy, and we’ll have the privilege of seeing it grow at least one more time.