ATHENS, Ga. — Former University of Georgia tennis star John Isner is planning to retire after the upcoming U.S. Open, according to an Instagram post.
Isner, 38, has been on the Association of Tennis Professionals since he graduated from UGA in 2007.
Isner’s highest-ever World Tennis Ranking was No. 8, which he reached back in 2018.
At six feet, 10 inches, Isner has been one of the tallest players in professional tennis.
In a Wednesday Instagram post, Isner explained why it was time to hang it up.
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“There comes a time in every athlete’s career that they have to decided to hang it up, for me, that time is now. I didn’t come at this decision lightly, but I feel it is the right way to go. When I left the University of Georgia in 2007, there was no way I could have imagined playing 17 years on the ATP Tour. Of course, there are countless matches I wish I could have back, but I am proud of what I was able to accomplish. The journey was nothing short of incredible.”
Isner said he considers himself lucky and thanked his UGA tennis coach, Manny Diaz for ' believing me and instilling a work ethic that served me so well as a pro.’
When it comes to the Atlanta Open, Isner saw a great deal of success, appearing in nine finals and winning six titles at the tournament played yearly at Atlantic Station. Isner most recently won the tournament in 2021.
Isner plays in the opening round of the U.S. Open on Monday against Argentinian Facundo Diaz Acosta at 11 a.m.
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