‘Weird’ Feeling From John Isner’s Past Returns to Serve Up Stark Contrast Between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras’ Dominant Era and His Own

John Isner held to his Top 10 spot despite the dominance of the Big 3. The beginning of the 21st century did not witness many Americans reach World No.1 in the ATP Tour. Though players like Isner, Andy Roddick, and James Blake made it to the Top 10, only Roddick reached World No.1. But in the 90s, an average of three Americans always made it to the Top-10. Top spots were always occupied by legends like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

Isner sustained himself in the Top 10 when there were barely any Americans after those legends retired. The responsibility of carrying the legacy of the former World No.1 Americans fell on one young player. Recently, the tallest ATP player opened up about how it made him feel while reflecting on the 90s era as he plays the last tournament of his career at the US Open.

John Isner recalls the mixed emotions he felt at the beginning of his career

Agassi and Pistol Pete took care of the World’s top spots in the 90s. Before them, Jim Courier and Ivan Lendl kept the Top 2 position occupied. There was no shortage of American players in the Top 10, as Michael Chang safeguarded his spot for more than 7 years, and Todd Martin stepped in occasionally. Later, the expert analyst of the ‘Break Point’ took over.

The year Roddick retired, Isner achieved his career high, World No. 8, and defended it for two years. After winning his first round at the US Open, the 6’10” professional was asked how he felt about his impact on tennis. Isner said, ” I haven’t put too much thought into that. I do take or did take pride in being the top-ranked American for as many years as I was.”

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The 38-year-old added, “There were certainly times when I was the only person playing Madrid and Rome, the only American there, for a couple years. That was sort of weird for me.” In 2012 and 2013, Isner was the only American in the Top 10, while a new era surfaced with consistent dominance.

The ATP legends set the bar high for the current generation

The World’s first spot revolved around Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic for over a decade. There were years when an American did not even end the year among the Top 10 players. Jack Sock made it to the Top 10 but did not hold the position for long. Then came the young players, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, the rising stars of the US.

Though it was difficult for an American to win the Slam this year, the future is hopefully in safe hands. It has been almost 20 years since a US citizen claimed the home major. Roddick remains the last male to win the US Open in 2003, and America awaits its champion who can fill the void left by the legends.

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