Isner Takes Down Roddick!

One for the Ages - Renewal of American Tennis

In an unbelievable five setter last night, John Isner takes out fellow American and number 5 seed Andy Roddick in an epic battle that pushed one of the two matches to follow off of Ash and onto Armstrong court due to time constraints. Not only is this the first time the big Iz has reached the 4th round at a Slam, it's also the first time he's taken out friend and compatriot Roddick, and his first five set win (having only played 25 setters in his career).

Isner: "The Best Match I've Played"

His notable run last year included taking a set off Federer in the early rounds. But that was a mere warm-up compared to his win last night. John moved well, hit his shots with conviction, and played relentlessly until the fourth match point in the 5th set tie breaker. He even had a chance to win the match in straight sets, but Roddick kicked into another gear as the fans started chanting his name and rallying behind the Wimbledon runner-up. Roddick's exit was the first real upset in week one, especially considering the fact that this was the first time in the Open Era that all top 16 seeds made it to round 3

How Did Isner Do It?

It wasn't a letdown from Roddick that's for sure. Andy was only broken once and hit only 20 unforced errors (32 fewer than our big man), and actually won more points than John overall (162 versus John's 155). The edge, however, went to Isner in the breakers - where he is known to impose both his height, his power, and his will. And that's considering that Roddick has one of the best tiebreak records in the ATP.

Food for the Tennis Soul

Isner thinks his downtime during the French, however frustrating, helped him prepare better both physically and mentally for the U.S. Open (including many tasty home-cooked meals by his mom). Isner acknowledges that this is "hands down the biggest win of my career." But he's not done yet. John says "I know I can really do some damage here. So I'm not satisfied just yet." That's what we want to hear!

Isner Into Top 50!

This win over Andy has notched Isner's move into the top 50, a distinction that only a limited number of tennis greats at John's career level can add to their resume. But this is only the beginning for John, who spent four valuable years in college at Georgia, playing for the Bulldogs, and didn't turn pro until a couple years ago. Look out below - here we come!! If you haven't already, you might want to adjust your poll vote

Next up: Number 10 Seed Fernando Verdasco

Nadal's compatriot Verdasco has steadily risen in the rankings over the course of his career. He made a run to the semifinals at the Australian Open last year, where he nearly unseated the world number one in a stunning five set epic. In other words, John has his work cut out for him. Which means everyone needs to get out there and support John. This U.S. Open symbolizes a potential renewal, if not all-out changing of the guard (as Tennis Channel's new commentator Jimmy Connors would say), in American tennis.

Isner and Oudin - Leading the American Tennis Revival

Right before Isner's match the young 17-year-old American Melanie Oudin notched another stunning upset on her resume, taking out Maria Sharapova. She took out number 4 seed Elena Dementieva in the previous round, and will face number 10 seed Petrova in her first second week match.

So go out there and support the Americans, especially our big man John Inser, and stay tuned for updates!