John Isner carries a dual purpose on court in Cincinnati this week: Prepare for this month's US Open and hold off hard-charging Steve Johnson to retain the No. 1 ranking among American men.
Currently, the 22nd-ranked Isner leads the 23rd-ranked Johnson by 65 points in the ATP rankings.
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Johnson defeated Federico Delbonis in his Western & Southern opener and will play Julien Benneteau next.
The former USC all American can pick up valuable points in the coming weeks: Johnson did not win a Cincinnati main-draw match last year and fell in the first round of the 2015 US Open to Fabio Fognini.
"I mean, of course I do (care about the top spot)," Isner told the media at the Western & Southern Open. "I want to be the No. 1 American, but I need to really just worry about myself, and all that other stuff will take care of itself."
Isner lost to Sam Querrey in the 2015 Cincinnati first round and will defend fourth-round points at the US Open.
"I've lost a lot of close matches this year, a lot of matches where I've won more points than my opponent," Isner said. "Just haven't gone my way. I can't complain because I've won my fair share of matches that way as well. Just takes one or two tight matches pulling through, and then next thing you know, I could be off and running.
"But I feel like I'm playing well and doing all the right things. Just looking forward to my next challenge tomorrow."
Isner, who opened Cincinnati defeating Fognini, carries a 3-0 career record against second-round opponent Milos Raonic. Five of the seven sets Isner and Raonic have played have been decided in tie breaks. Isner owns a 24-24 tie break record this season.
"It's an extremely tough match. It's what I get for playing like crap and not being seeded in this tournament," Isner said. "That's what happens. But at the same time, it's going to be a tough match for both of us. I'm looking forward to it. Of course it could come down to a few points here or there. It's going to be a big challenge for me.
"Milos is obviously one of the best players in the game right now. I have so much respect for him as well. He does everything the right way. Fantastic player; good all-round player. Of course it starts with the serve, but it'll be a good match."
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