John Isner, who won Atlanta for the third consecutive year, says he is thrilled to be back playing in the United States. The 30-year-old American reached the the semifinals of the Miami Masters earlier this year, upsetting Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori before falling to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Isner tends to have his best performances at home, on hard courts, a habit he has kept up this season.
“I felt great out there and I kept getting stronger and stronger," said Isner, who beat Marcos Baghdatis in the final. “I feel fine physically and I have some confidence going forward. I'm back in the United States...it's exactly what I need.”
After losing in five sets to Marin Cilic in the third round of Wimbledon, 12-10 in the fifth set, Isner then lost in the first round in Newport, on grass. But in Atlanta, Isner said he was very comfortable despite very humid conditions.
Isner, who is now coached by Justin Gimelstob, says he is more aggressive than he used to be, using his big serve to take charge of points. “It's obviously my best weapon,” said Isner. “I work on it a lot on the practice court. I feel I can hit it anywhere.
“I just needed to keep trying to play aggressive and go for my shots. I felt like I did that out there, for the most part. I've got the matches under my belt and that should bode well for me going forward. I feel fine physically, the most important thing is that I have some confidence now, going forward, especially into my next tournament next week.”
The world No. 18 is entered in the ATP 500-level event in Washington, D.C. this week, which includes No. 5 Nishikori and No. 3 Andy Murray, and says he’s well prepared for the summer stretch of tournaments. "It's not about hitting the practice courts and working hard or working on this, it's more about doing everything I can do get my body exactly right and try to get myself feeling the best I can, and I don't foresee any issues with that.”