John Isner, the towering presence on the tennis court, etched his name into the annals of the sport with his thunderous serves and remarkable resilience. Born on April 26, 1985, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Isner rose to prominence as one of the most formidable servers in tennis history.
Throughout his career, Isner showcased his prowess, reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8 and No. 14 in doubles by the ATP. His breakthrough moment came in July 2018 when he clinched his first Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open, propelling him to the upper echelons of the tennis world. His semifinal appearance at Wimbledon that same year further solidified his status among the elite.
Isner’s endurance and tenacity were epitomized in the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, where he engaged in the longest professional tennis match ever recorded. Lasting a staggering 11 hours and 5 minutes over three grueling days, Isner emerged victorious over Nicolas Mahut after 183 games.
Known for his blistering serves, Isner set records with the fastest “official” serve in ATP history, clocking in at 157.2 mph (253 km/h) during a 2016 Davis Cup match. His dominance on the court is underscored by his record for the most aces in ATP Tour history, tallying an astounding 14,470 by August 31, 2023.
In 2023, after a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Isner bid farewell to professional tennis following the US Open. His legacy as one of the sport’s most iconic servers and resilient competitors continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts worldwide.