John Isner is a Houston rocket.

River Oaks Country Club is a launching pad for Isner.

The 6'10" Isner blasted a tournament-record 38 aces and saved a match point edging two-time champion Steve Johnson 6-7(1), 7-6(4), 6-3 at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship on Thursday night.



Isner held the previous record of 35 aces set in the 2017 River Oaks quarterfinals.



Australian wild card Nick Kyrgios, who made his second quarterfinals in a United States event this season, looks for his first final four at River Oaks. Kyrgios faces American Michael Mmoh, who became the first lucky loser in the Open Era to advance to the US Clay quarterfinals.

There will be five Americans—Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka, John Isner, Frances Tiafoe and Michael Mmoh—in the quarterfinals at River Oaks in 2022, tying the most at US Clay in the Houston-era that dates back to 2001.

Photo credit: CameraSport