How John Isner Dealt With One of Life’s Greatest Challenges: Older Brothers

September 19, 2018 | By Peter Mendelsohn
John_Isner_Credit_USTA_Darren Carroll
Photo courtesy of USTA/Darren Carroll

 

False imprisonment.  It’s something that no one should ever have to go through. 

But if you grew up with an older brother, you’ve probably experienced it once or twice.

John Isner certainly has. 

When he was seven or eight years old, his oldest brother Nathan took a bicycle lock, shoved his head through it, and bolted him to a bed post. 

“It was one of those U-locks,” said Isner during the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

“I was home alone and couldn’t do anything.  There was no cell phone back in that day, so I just had to wait it out and pray that my mom would get home quick.”

Karen Isner didn’t arrive as soon as he hoped.  By the time his mother finally turned up and disentangled him, John had spent a few frantic hours tied to the brass post. 

Did he ever take vengeance on Nathan? 

“No,” said the 6-foot-10 inch Isner.  “Even though I’m much bigger than him, I’m still super scared of him.”

He might never have gotten revenge per se, but as a youngster John always had a way to get the best of his oldest brother.

Sports.

“We would just battle in everything,” said Isner, describing his childhood with his two older brothers.  “Ping pong and basketball especially.  Unfortunately for Nathan, he was always the worst between us three.”  

“I would beat him in one on one basketball when I was 13 years old and he was 18 or 19.  He did not like that at all.”

Twenty years later, the tides have turned. Isner is now the grizzled veteran going to battle with his younger competitors on the ATP Tour. 

And despite being in the midst of his 12th professional season at the age of 33, he’s never fared better.

In April, he defeated Alexander Zverev at the Miami Open to win his first Masters 1000 event, the most prominent of his 14 career titles.

In July, he reached his first grand slam semifinal at Wimbledon.  

“People that know me really well know I’ve always been a late bloomer,” said Isner.

“I feel like I’ve just started growing into my body the last three years.  I’ve put on the most strength and muscle over the course of the last three years, and I’ve been able to keep that on.  It’s taken me a long time, but it’s a good thing.  Better late than never.”

In addition to improved physique, the Greensboro native has become more adept at dealing with the ups and downs of the tennis season.  Namely, accepting the fact that most weeks on tour end in defeat. 

“Initially, it was a tough adjustment because coming from college, I won a lot of matches,” said Isner.  “The last two years, I might’ve only lost one match.”

Isner may be afflicted with a fairly common malady.  Memory bias.  He lost nine matches over his final two years at the University of Georgia.  Still, an overall singles record of 89-9 over the course of his junior and senior season is nothing to sneeze it.

Competition on the pro tour is more fierce.

“I don’t know when exactly it clicked in, but you have to realize that chances are you’re going to lose every tournament you play.” 

“I don’t know how many tournaments I’ve played.  Probably 300, and I’ve won 14, so it’s a lot of losses.”

As taxing as the ATP Tour may be, a far greater challenge lies ahead for the Dallas resident. 

Fatherhood.

Isner’s wife Madison gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter named Hunter, on September 15.

Just like when he was young, Isner expects sports to play a major role in his daughter’s life.

“When she’s of age, she’ll play a bunch of different sports, and see which one she falls in love with.” 

But most importantly, will Hunter play tennis?

“I’m not going to force it on her,” said Isner.  “If she would like to play tennis, I’d definitely encourage her. 

“Maybe you’ll see me back on the WTA Tour in 20 years.”

 


Peter Mendelsohn
Contributing Writer

Peter Mendelsohn is a contributing writer to Long Island and New York Tennis Magazines. He is the owner of tennisdork.com.  He is currently pursuing a degree in sports journalism.  He previously spent five years as a personal injury lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He may be reached by phone at (647) 984-5509 or email at peter.r.mendelsohn@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterMendel7     

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