By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday August 28, 2023
It may be the end of the line for John Isner, but the big train hasn’t pulled into station. Isner pushed through his first-round contest at his last professional event on Tuesday in New York, defeating Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta, 6-4,6-3, 7-6(1).
The 38-year-old will face fellow American Michael Mmoh on Day 4.
He says the emotions and the fact that he’s playing his last event are helping him to put it all on the court this year in New York.
“It's a little bit emotional,” Isner said. “I think in a sense it's helping me free up a little bit. If I didn't win that match, it would be tough. I'm very resolute in my decision to retire. There's no doubts about that."
Isner says he is living in the moment, and happy to be sharing his last event with family and friendsHis kids jumped out on court after his victory to celebrate with him, and it is a moment he will cherish forever.
“To have so many friends and family, especially my wife, four kids getting on court with me, you can't replicate that. It's just extremely special,” he said. “Those are moments I will always remember and will have amazing footage from that.
“That's what it's all about for me right now, trying to create moments. I'm not trying to prove anything at this stage in my career. I want to create some moments. I thought I had a pretty good one out there after the match today.”