John Isner has hired tennis commentator and former player Justin Gimelstob as his new coach.
“I’m really excited to start working with Justin,” Isner told ATPWorldTour.com. “He has so much experience within the tennis business and I’ve long respected his knowledge of the sport. I think it will be great for me to have a new perspective helping me with my game.
“I had a great run with Mike [Sell] and feel I really learned a lot from him throughout the course of our coaching relationship. I just thought it was time to try something new, and with Justin I believe I will have a strong and passionate new voice on my team. In spending some time with Justin throughout the fall I have full confidence that he has a clear vision for my game and an understanding of what I need to do inorder to play my best tennis.”
Isner finished the season as the top-ranked American at No. 19; he won two titles and reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters. The 6'10" 29-year-old began working with Sell and parted ways with longtime coach Craig Boynton at the end of 2012. Boynton had been as Isner’s coach since March 2009 and took him to a career-high No. 9 ranking in April 2012.
Gimelstob will continue to commentate for Tennis Channel and keep his position as an ATP Board Member.
“John is a very unique talent, a great guy both on and off the court and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of his team,” Gimelstob said. "Coaching is in my blood. I have the highest regard for the level of commitment coaching a player of John’s pedigree entails.
“I am excited for the new challenge, and look forward to pursuing it with a player that I believe in so much. I have had a great relationship with John for years and think we will communicate really well as player and coach.”
Gimelstob is already working with Isner, who plans to start his season by defending his title in Auckland, New Zealand.