There are certainties in John Isner’s life: He will play in the BB&T Atlanta Open and keep up to date on his Georgia Bulldogs.
Fresh off a win at the Miami Open, his first Grand Slam semifinal appearance at Wimbledon and a career-high No. 8 ATP ranking, Isner is back to defend his title in Atlanta. Since its inception in 2010, Isner has made annual trips to Georgia’s spot on the US Open Series and looks forward to it every year.
“When I first came on tour, this tournament didn’t exist,” Isner told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I found out that a tournament was coming here, and I thought to myself, ‘Oh wow, this could be a cool opportunity for me to be able to get to play so close to Athens where I have so many friends and family.’
“I never would have imagined I would have had this much success at this tournament. That just goes to show there’s something to be said for being comfortable and having a lot of support, which I certainly have here. This has been the best tournament of my career for sure.”
The declaration that Atlanta is his top tournament isn’t a bold one considering past results. In eight appearances, Isner has made seven finals and won four titles.
With 2016 champion Nick Kyrgios returning this year after missing 2017 due to injury, the path to victory could be a challenge.
“There are no easy matches. Trust me, I know that,” Isner said when asked about this year’s field. “I’ve struggled a lot throughout my history in this tournament. My first match is always a tough one because everyone is so good.”
After a first-round bye, the hometown favorite will face No. 68 Alex de Minaur in the second round Wednesday night.
If past years are any indicator, supporters will pack the stadium for Isner's matches, and while he is looking forward to the "college atmosphere" fans bring to Atlanta, his heart still remains in the Classic City.
"(I) love Atlanta, but Athens is my favorite place on earth," he said. "There's not even a real close second. I love Athens."
Isner’s loyalty to the Bulldogs runs deep. He has high hopes for the 2018 football season after watching what he called the best college football game ever at the Rose Bowl, a 54-48 Georgia win over Oklahoma in a national playoff semifinal.
“I think they’re going to be so good again,” Isner said after Georgia lost to Alabama for the national championship. “They have the right leadership in place, and that’s the most important thing. I don’t think they’re going to be hungover from last year. Obviously that was a tough one, to make it that far. But they had an incredible year last year. They set so many records last year. I think Georgia is only on the rise. I hope I can make some games this season.”
Isner isn’t sure if he’ll make it back to Sanford Stadium yet. Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Georgia’s star player can watch him on Stadium Court this week in Atlanta and possibly between the hedges come September.
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