John Isner might have enjoyed immense success on the ATP Circuit and etched his name into the annals of tennis history with his unforgettable records. However, even the booming serve and powerful groundstrokes of this tennis legend can’t shield him from the inevitable generational gap with his younger compatriots. Recently, his candid comments about star American players Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz have certainly turned heads within the tennis community.

John Isner participated in the June 23rd episode of Served with Roddick podcast. He, along with Andy Roddick, deliberated on a wide range of topics including Isner’s life after retirement and the state of American tennis. This discussion soon took a turn toward the comparative angle as both Isner and Roddick agreed they were victims of challenges posed by a generational gap among the young players. 

Roddick said that he would not be able to relate with young American players like Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, especially due to the age difference. He was echoed similarly by Isner who said, “Those younger guys when they first came on tour you know, I was in my early thirties or whatever.” While Tiafoe made his debut in 2024, Fritz made his first appearance in 2015, when Isner had just turned 30. However, he continued to laud their skills.

Continuing further in the interview, Isner expressed his admiration for their skills. “I have a lot of respect for them I have a lot of respect for their games, but I have absolutely nothing in common. I have nothing in common with these guys but I respect the heck out of them.” And this respect is justified given the track record of Fritz and Tiafoe.

While Tiafoe has played his biggest match at the semifinals of the US Open in 2022, Fritz has played several Grand Slam quarterfinals including his latest at Wimbledon. But that doesn’t change the scenario for Isner. “I don’t think I would find myself going out for dinner with Taylor Fritz. We guys are little bit older, don’t have much in common with the younger guys.” Interestingly, this comes despite the encounters that Isner has faced against his young compatriots.

Taylor Fritz and John Isner have represented America together in various tournaments. Besides, the former pro played some friendly matches with Tiafoe and Fritz as part of the Netflix Slam this year. Hence, his recent remarks demonstrate the dual nature of the sport where players are bound to interact with each other despite not being very comfortable. But despite being unable to relate with the young players, Isner misses everything about the sport.

“A lot of aspects I miss…,” John Isner let his true feelings out about retirement

The 39-year-old bid adieu to the tennis world last year after the US Open as he decided to focus on the next chapter of his life. But the transition is not easy for him as he revealed that he is still trying to move on from the sport. 

Speaking in the same podcast, the former player said, “Speaking to other former athletes, not just tennis, they tell me it’s a 12- to 24-month process to sort of get over it, and I think that’s kind of what I’m experiencing. I’m not quite 12 months into my retirement, but certainly a lot of aspects I miss about tennis.” He also revealed that he was not sure of his retirement until the beginning of 2023, but finally, his 6ft 10 inches tall body stopped cooperating enough.

As John Isner’s journey evolves further, it would be interesting to see if he would come out of retirement once again like this year’s Atlanta Open, or completely call it off!