Miami Living Magazine

John Isner

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And how do you respond to critics saying that the American players underperform at the majors? That criticism has been lingering for some time. JI: That criticism is warranted. I don't know that we're underperforming, it's just that we haven't gotten ourselves in a position to really do great things at majors, so I think the criticism is fine, it comes with the territory. Look, it has been 16 years since an American has won a Grand Slam. In regards to your own game, I noticed a progression towards an "ultra aggressive" style of tennis. Was this approach of play done by chance or a strategic tactic? JI: Definitely not by chance. It's just realizing my strengths and realizing my weaknesses. And you know, I'm not going to win matches by grinding out 20 ball rallies against these players, because, to be honest, they're such incredible ball strikers! I know that my opponents want me in a match that involves long ball rallies. My goal is to try to make my opponents really uncomfortable, even if that means I'm feeling a little uncomfortable myself. But the most important thing I can do is to try to put myself in my opponents' shoes. Making my opponents uncomfortable is key for me to do my best. How about your weaknesses? Can you elaborate on them? JI: For sure, my movement. It is not my strength, but I think with my size, I've moved pretty well. I'm also always trying to work on my return game, and I think last week, I did a lot of good things there. I was winning matches pretty easy, which is nice. It takes a lot of stress off me. But there are lots of matches that I've won because of the strength of my serve. And there has been some matches, actually, a lot of close matches, that I've lost because I wasn't able to break my opponent's serve. I do believe it is a matter of just getting myself to improve in some key areas and play the right way. It's much, much easier said than done, that's for sure! Last year, during the award ceremony, I recall you thanked a chiropractor, something that I'd never heard before. Most players have a physio and training partner, but a chiropractor? JI: Well, that's his professional title, that's what he went to school for. He plays a role of a physio, but also a chiropractor. He does a lot more than just cracking and keeping me aligned. It's stretching, since I have really long limbs and, of course, massages. Just different types of treatment, depending on what I need. My chiropractor that works with me is always learning and studying, which is great. He applies many new things to me, which is very important.

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