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Professional Tennis

What was it like to switch from college tennis to professional tennis?

Submitted by Rashmi Tejwaney, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

To be honest with you making the switch from college to the pros was fairly easy for me. The level of play and competition in college tennis is so great that it helped to prepare me for the pro tour. I owe alot to Manny Diaz and the University of Georgia for taking my game to the next level. Thanks Manny!!

just how good do you think a. murray is or can be

Submitted by eddie white, carrickfergus

Andy Murray is very good and his results back him up on that. He has consistently been ranked top 10 in the world the last couple of years. If he can stay healthy there is no reason he could not be ranked # 1 in the world. Staying healthy is a big key to success on the ATP Tour. Playing tournaments all year long with no off season can take a toll on your body. I am playing in the SAP Open this week in San Jose after taking close to a month off after the Australian Open because of a stress fracture in my left foot. My foot feels good and I am now ready for the upcoming season. Thanks for submitting your question Eddie!

Since turning pro you have played doubles with variety of other players, but at the SAP Open you played with Donald Young and had a good match against the Bryan Brothers. Do you plan to continue playing doubles in the future and do you foresee playing with Donald Young again? How do you feel his game compliments your own?

Submitted by Arlo Lyle, Tulsa, OK

I do continue playing doubles in the future and I would love the oppurtunity to play with Donald Young again. His returns are so solid that it helps to compliment my big serve game and I think that mak

Ask John

Personal

First just want to congratulate you on all you success to date. I would say that in many ways I am trying to emulate your game. I am 6’3’’ 185pds going on 48 years young, work hard on my serve and getting to net. I have observed a big difference between younger and older players is there ability to move quickly around the court. I was wondering if there are any drills you swear by in enabling you to be so quick around the court. Best of luck in your continued success.

Submitted by Mitch Simril, Greensboro NC

Thank You! I work extremely hard on all aspects of my game but especially on my footwork. Footwork is in my opinion one of the most important aspects of the game of tennis. Usually when I make an unforced error, footwork is almost always partly to blame. With you being 6’3″ your at an advantage since your wingspan can cover more of the court than most of your shorter opponents. Since I am around 6’9″ I am at a huge advantage in being able to do so as well. I do alot of things that improve my footwork: I jump rope alot and constantly remind myself during practice and matches to always stay on my toes! But at the sametime I mix up my game alot, you don’t want your opponent knowing that you are serving and volleying on everypoint. You need to always keep your opponent guessing. I can give you some specific drills you can work on but I need to know: What level of player you are? Do you play singles or doubles or both? Just write me back and I can come up with some good dr

Ask John

General Questions

Who has been your toughest opponent to date?

Roger Federer by far. He is so talented and quick. After that first set, I just couldn’t get anything going. He is really unbelievable.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?

Definitely when my teammates and I won the NCAAs. It was a goal we had for a very long time and after coming so close the year before we really wanted it. We worked hard the whole year and were able to go undefeated, win the National Indoors and our conference. And playing at home in Athens is something I will never forget – it was really special.

What has been your hardest tournament to date?

Probably the Legg Mason because I played so many tie breakers!

I was wondering if you had the chance to play one of the greatest tennis players in the world (alive or dead) who would they be and why?

Submitted by Kara Patin, San Francisco, California

Probaly Roger Federer, and I was fortunate to play him at the 2007 US Open. There are so many other tennis players I wish I would of had the chance to play against such as McEnroe, Connors, Arthur Ashe, Agassi, Sampras, Courier and so many more.

Obviously the U.S. did fantastic in winning the Davis Cup last year and it was a big win at home. Do you have any aspirations to represent the US and do you think you will get the chance to play in a tie the near future?

Submitted by Matt Fitzgerald, Stetson University

I was fortunate to be a hitting partner for the 2007 U.S. Davis Cup team. Just being there in Portland when we won the Davis Cup was an awesome experience for me. Hopefully my ranking will keep on climbing and one day I can play for Patrick McEnroe and represent the United States on the Davis Cup Team. It would be a dream come true!

What was your best memory from playing at the University of Georgia?

Submitted by Bryan Blaustein, Alpharetta Georgia

Definitely winning the NCAA team title my senior year! Go Dawgs!

What was your favorite memory from playing at the University of Georgia?

Submitted by Bryan Blaustein, Alpharetta Georgia

I had so many great memories at the University of Georgia. But Without a doubt winning the NCAA team title my senior year in front of my home crowd was my best and greatest memory fom UGA. I left Athens, Ga with nothing but great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Hey John, When you look at a draw, is there anyone that you get excited about playing or that you know you have a good chance against? Also, I’ve read that you pull pranks alot, do you have any good ones to share?

Submitted by Katelyn Mateer, Middletown, PA

I got real excited about playing against Roger Federer at the U.S. Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium this past year. In my opinion, he is the best player ever to play the game! If things go right at the Australia Open and I am able to beat the very tricky and very talented Fabrice Santoro in the 1st round and Roger wins his 1st match then I will get a second chance at Federer. I hope that things do go right for me in Australia. To answer the second part of your question, I feel I have a good chance against anyboby out there. That is just the mindset that I have and must have in order to be successful on the pro tour. Yeah I am known for playing alot of pranks on my friends and I have so much fun doing so. Playing pranks is a good way to get my mind off tennis during all the down time that you get while at tournaments. While at Georgia Bo Hodge and I would play alot of planks on our team trainer. We once dipped his toothbrush in hot red pepper sauce. My very best pranks that I have pulled probaly aren’t appropriate to share with others. But I have pulled some really good ones!!!!!!

what is your favorite sport other than tennis?

Submitted by Laura S., Pittsburgh PA

My favorite sport other than tennis is football. I never played football( I don’t exactly have the best body type for football), but that is my favorite sport to watch and follow. I am pretty much a fan of every sport, I just love competition. I play alot of golf in my sparetime and I played AAU Basketball until the age of 14.

hey man, i got a question bout your serving and volleying. What did you do to became as good at it as you are now. I am about top 100 in the south and want to become a serve and volley player because my coaches tell me i have good hands and solid volleys but they arent as good as they need to be. I already have a big serve, but i want to know how to develop my volley’s. What did you do to develop yours?

Submitted by Stephen Dunn, Raleigh, North Carolina

Practice Practice Practice!! The more you work on that part of your game the better you will get at serving and volleying. I would work on alot of reaction drlls, just have your coach feed you balls while you are at the net as quickly as he can possibly feed them at you. Also do not be afraid or hesitant while you are at the net, don’t worry about getting drilled by a tennis ball. I have been nailed plenty of times while at the net, it will only make you tougher! Most importantly, work on your footwork!! Footwork is the most overlooked part of the game of tennis. I know that you are probaly tired of hearing your coaches telling you to stay on your toes, but improving your footwork is the quickest way to improve the serve and volley part of your game! I see that you are from Raleigh and my coach in the juniors, Oscar Blacutt, now teaches in Raleigh. He was real good at developing my serve and volley game.

Do you think you will be coming to the Memphis tourny by any chance?

Submitted by Philip Hammond, Brookhaven, Mississippi

Yes I will be coming to the tournament in Memphis. I was just awarded a wildcard into the maindraw. I am really looking forward to that tourney, it’s been a while since I have made a trip to Memphis. I am really excited about eating some of that good barbeque!

Do you get nervous before you play your matches and if so, what do you do to get rid of the butterflies?

Submitted by Kelly Jones, Macon, GA

I get a little nervous before matches but after I play the first couple of games my nerves usually calm down a little bit. I think it is good to have some nerves during a match because I think it helps to keep you focused throughout a match. I do not put much pressure on myself during matches and that helps to get rid of some of the butterflies. It is just a tennis match- not a life or death situation.- If you go into a match and just have fun and not take it way too seriously you will have better results.

Hey John, I ballboyed your match against Haas at Legg Mason and I remember your reaction. How did that win feel?

Submitted by Griffin McDermott, Alexandria, Virginia

That win felt awesome, the way in which I won in a 3rd set tiebreaker made it even more special. Not to mention I blew a match point in the second set tiebreaker. Being able to put that behind me and go on to win that match was a great feeling and a great boost to my confidence! That was a great tournament, all the ball boys and girls did a fabulous job!!

Hey John, I am wondering if you plan to play for USA in this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing? I know each country can only have 6 players and there are many good players in America. But is the Olympic game one of your goal this year? How confident are you to be able to qualify for the US Olympic Team. BTW, I am a bulldawg too and I will go to China to watch the Olympics. If you can make it, I will cheer for you in the stadium with the stars-stripes flag and the big G flag!!

Submitted by JJ, Atlanta, GA

I hope I will get asked to play in the Olympic games this year. I am not sure what the selection process is. But playing in the Olympic games is definitely one of my many goals this year. If I do make it to Beijing I will be counting on you being there and cheering for me and the rest of the United States players. Thanks for submitting your question JJ!

with Ivo as your partner, you’ve got the lobs covered but who’s going to cover the net skimmers? In your travels, do you have difficulty finding beds that are long enough? Best wishes for good health and few unforced errors.

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Events and Scores

Knoxville Challenger

$50,000 USTA Knoxville Challenger

Champaign Challenger

Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign – Urbana, Illinois – November 09, 2008

Qualifying: Sun., November 9 – Mon., November 10, 2008 Main Draw: Tue., November 11 – Sun., November 16, 2008 The tournament will benefit the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. Located in Urbana, IL on Carle Clinic’s main campus, the Mills Breast Cancer Institute is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer through collaborative research and treatments. Upon its completion, the vision of the Mills Institute is to be a national leader in patient care and breast cancer research while advancing scientific knowledge as we seek new treatments and a cure. Currently under construction, the state of the art facility is on pace for completion in April, 2008 and will then open to patients.

More information »

Tennis Challenge of Tampa Bay

Mayor’s Residence in Plant City, Florida – November 08, 2008

The biggest tennis party in Tampa Bay benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation featuring John Isner and Mardy Fish.

More information »

Louisville Challenger

Louisville Tennis Club in Louisville, KY – October 27, 2008

The Ford Tennis Championships $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Challenger Qualifying Rounds – Oct. 25-26 Main Draw – Oct. 27 – Nov. 2

More information »

French Open

Paris, France – May 24, 2008

Follow John Isner’s results as he makes his French Open debut tomorrow against Juan Ignacio Chela. Click on the link below to go to the French Open website:

More information »

“John had a tremendous four-year career that showed he is one of the best players ever to come through our program and I believe he is in the upper-echelon with some of the best players ever to play collegiate tennis.”

– Manuel Diaz

Announcements

Isner Wins Wild Card Entry into the Australian Open!

December 22, 2008

Isner defeats Donald Young, then Jesse Levine to make it into the main draw of the Australian Open.

More information »

“Isner wills himself to victory when the chips are down. That is a rare sight to see. He is comparable to Jordan, Ali, and Ruth in that way.”

– Will Glenn

Rising American stars John Isner and Sam Querrey made contact with home during The Artois Championships on Monday, but not in the most conventional of ways.

Rather than making a call home like most overseas visitors, the ATP duo took advantage of a Mercedes-Benz, the Official Car of The Artois Championships, and headed into the heart of London to check out a tunnel linking the English capital with New York, a project that was started more than a century ago.

Isner and Querrey were able to interact with fans in New York and much to their surprise, a locker room attendant from the 2002 US Open was waiting for the two players, and scribbled down on a piece of paper for Isner, “Who beat you in the 2002 US Open Junior?”

Isner lost to Richard Gasquet, who is now ranked 10 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings and also competing at the Queen’s Club this week.

“It’s crazy, I’m not exactly sure how it works, but obviously it does some how,” said Isner. “We saw a guy talking on the phone with a friend of his in New York so that was pretty neat. There was a locker room attendant from the 2002 Junior US Open and he was there asking me a question from when I played there and I remembered him from when I played it. It’s insane, I’m not sure how it works, perhaps they should put some more of these structures up around the world.”

Querrey echoed the sentiments of his American counterpart but also questioned the reality of the project.

He said: “I saw it on CNN about two weeks ago. It seems pretty cool, it looks a giant telescope and there is one here and New York, but I am not sure if its real or not, I think it might be a video camera, I mean with the curvature of the Earth and the direction of the tunnel, how can you be sure New York is in the direction the tunnel has it, so I am going to study up on it and find out more but it’s a good idea, you can talk to your friends if you are in New York, so it’s pretty cool.”

The project is open 24 hours a day, and uses an extraordinary optical device called a Telectroscope, which allows people in both cities to see each other in real time. The visual art project is produced by Artichoke in partnership with Tiscali. For more information about the Telectroscope project, visit www.tiscali.co.uk

The two Americans will both be in action Tuesday, with Querrey taking on Frenchman Olivier Patience, while Isner takes on South African Kevin Anderson in a battle of the giants.

International TV Schedule | Artois Championships Official Website

Louisville, KY, Columbia, SC and Knoxville, TN play hosts to the sports world’s elite superstars featuring Andy Roddick, in Rock-n-Racquets – an annual tennis exhibition like no other. Joining Roddick will be 2008 US Open Champion and World #1 Serena Williams, perhaps the most recognizable female athlete in the world, 6’9 top American John Isner and the WTA Tour’s newest superstar Caroline Wozniacki, currently ranked #13 in the world.

FORMAT SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

Mixed Doubles: Roddick/Williams vs. Isner/Wozniacki

A Rock-n-Racquets exclusive – Andy Roddick teams up with Serena Williams

Women’s Singles: Serena Williams (Nine-time Grand Slam Champion) vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Men’s Singles: Andy Roddick (#1 American has finished in the Top 10 for seven consecutive years) vs. John Isner (Future of American Tennis and ranked in the Top 100)

Former ATP Professional and current Tennis Channel on-air personality, Justin Gimelstob and Coach Wayne Bryan (Father of World #1 Doubles Team), will entertain the crowd through fan-interactive games along with live musical performances and on-court activities.

Benefiting the Andy Roddick Foundation – “Helping Children Today For Tomorrow”

TICKETS are $15-$85 per market

PAST SPONSORS include Lexus, TierOne Bank, Burger King, Chubb Personal Insurance, Embassy Suites, Mercedes-Benz, Micron, Harley-Davidson, Adidas, Pepsi, CoSentry, Boise Co-op, Stephens Inc., Micron, WaittCorp, McConnel Automotive Corp, Babolat, Tamarack Resort, and St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Services.

A telephone call to John Isner at his training camp in Tampa this week revealed a lot of good news.

First, he has recovered from a freak injury that sidelined him more than a month.

“The pulled stomach muscle is completely well,” he said. “I pulled it playing beach football with former teammates at Hilton Head Island while attending the wedding of Ricardo Gonzales (his former Bulldogs teammate) in late October.”

Then he mentioned that Georgia assistant coach Will Glenn is going to travel with him to Australia next month.

“I invited Will to be my coach for two weeks in Australia,” Isner said. “We’ll leave the U.S. Dec. 29 and I’ll play in an ATP tournament at Brisbane Jan. 4-5, followed by the Australian Open at Melbourne. Will will scout my opponents and get me ‘psychologically set’ for my matches.”

Glenn, former Athens Academy star, was a four-year letterman at Georgia under coach Manuel Diaz. As a freshman, he was a member of the 1999 NCAA championship team. He redshirted in 2001 following a knee injury, and co- captained the 2003 team with Nicolas Boeker.

He became assistant coach in 2006. The Bulldogs have won the NCAA team crown in 2007 and 2008.

Isner’s next tournament is a qualifying competition at Boca Raton, Fla., starting Dec. 19. It involves four top U.S. young pros: Isner, Donald Young of Atlanta, Jesse Levine (a former Florida star) and Wayne Odesnik of West Palm Beach. The winner will receive a “wild card” entry to the Australian Open. The losers must qualify for the Open in a tourney in Melbourne.

Isner also said that he is very excited about Mardy Fish asking him to be his doubles partner at both Brisbane and Melbourne. Fish is considered the third-best American player, ranking behind the Bryan twins (Bob and Mike), and he recently was picked to play Davis Cup doubles against Spain when Bob Bryan was injured. He and Mike beat the Spanish, who went on to win the Cup.

This past summer, Fish and Isner won the doubles at the International Hall of Fame tournament at Newport.

I asked him how he had been investing the half-million dollars he has won on the pro tour.

“I bought a very nice house in Tampa,” he replied. “And I have moved out of my apartment. I think it’s a good investment.”

I concluded with “Good luck to you and Will ‘down under.’ “