John Isner Withdraws From Winston-Salem Quarterfinals

Lawn Tennis, Ace Tennis Magazine, Lawn Tennis Magazine

John Isner Withdraws From Winston-Salem Quarterfinals
By Ken Miller, Lawn Tennis Analyst, Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2014 11:47pm PST USA

NEW YORK--Thursday at the Winston Salem Open in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the highest ranked American John Isner withdrew only hours before the start of his quarterfinal match with a sprained ankle.

The 29 year old big serving American, who lost by retirement to Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic did not want to risk further injury with the US Open set to start Monday in New York City.

Isner, a giant among giants at 6 feet 10 inches tall, is one of the greatest servers ever and displayed his serving skills in hitting 13 aces in his second round match then striking 17 aces in his third round match; with both matches straight set wins at 68 minutes long each.

After winning the Winston-Salem title in his birth state of North Carolina in 2011 and 2012, Isner injured his left ankle Wednesday during his third round win.

John Isner of the USA

John Isner hit 13 aces in his second round match then struck 17 aces in his third round match; with both matches straight set wins at 68 minutes long each.

The American, who received a bye in the first round, is ranked 15th on the ATP Tour.

The 25 year old Donald Young, ranked 46th, is the second highest ranked American professional tennis player.

In 2009 in the third round, Isner; then ranked number 55th and unseeded, upset the then highest ranked American Andy Roddick in a stunning five set match.

However the American is 2-5 head to head versus the US Open's top seed and favorite Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Isner, whose best US Open result was a 2011 quarterfinal finish, is seeded 13th at tennis' last grand slam of this year which begins Monday in New York.