LONDON: Wimbledon marathon man John Isner, who played in the longest match in history at the All England Club in 2010, admitted he was frustrated to bow out after just two games yesterday because he felt he was ready to make a serious challenge for the title.
Isner famously defeated Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 in a tie that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes over the course of three days.
The final set finished at 70-68 in his favour, but the American has now also featured in the second shortest match in Wimbledon history.
Isner, seeded 18th, had to retire against France’s Adrian Mannarino with the score at 1-1 in the first set after he injured his knee while serving.
Since that breakthrough win against Mahut, the 28-year-old has emerged a significant force on the men’s tour and, with Rafael Nadal and Stanislas Wawrinka both eliminated from his section of the draw already, he believed a long run in the tournament was on the cards before injury struck.
“I was the highest seeded player on a surface that I’m tough to beat on, given how well I can serve,” said Isner.
“That’s very disappointing. It’s tough to think about. I had a good chance to go pretty far here. I feel like I always get better as events go on. I just gain more confidence.
“It’s tough. Like I said, a little unlucky, but I will get over it.”
Isner’s premature exit came as a total shock as he hadn’t experienced any pain in the knee beforehand.
“It was the third point of the match,” he said yesterday.
REUTERS
