Players have been forced to pull out of the US Open for almost every reason imaginable, but there’s a small chance that veteran American John Isner could pack his bags for an unheard-of reason in pro tennis: childbirth.
Isner’s wife, Madison McKinley, is expected to give birth to their first child, a baby girl, on Sept. 22. But with the No. 11 seed powering his way into the fourth round of the US Open for the fourth time in his career, the possibility of their first child arriving early is proving to be an unexpected storyline.
Even though Isner is in position to match and perhaps surpass his best US Open result, a quarterfinal finish in 2011, he made it clear that this family moment is more important to him than tennis.
"I want to go as hard as I possibly can here. I do know after that, I could very well have some time off at home with my new family soon, so that will be cool.”
“[I would play] if it worked out where I could get there and get back. If it was the day of the match, not possible,” he said. “I’m not going to miss the birth, but we’ll see. I can’t control that.”
Having played in the two longest matches in Grand Slam history (11 hours and five minutes vs. Nicolas Mahut, and six hours and 36 minutes vs. Kevin Anderson, both at Wimbledon), Isner is no stranger to wreaking havoc on schedules. But could Isner have a race to beat the clock so he witnesses the birth and makes it back in time to play? Would tournament officials move his match from a day session to a night session in order to accommodate? What would happen if McKinley gave birth on the day of the US Open final?
These are all possibilities Isner isn’t willing to address. The American has been focused on the moment in New York, putting forth his best tennis to set up a big-serving match with Milos Raonic in the round of 16.
McKinley has proven to be a hugely positive influence in Isner’s life. Happiness off the court has led to a career-best year on the court at age 33, with Isner reaching a career-high ranking of No. 8 in July. He won his first ATP Masters 1000 title this April in Miami, scoring three Top-10 wins along the way. Isner then reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon before falling in an epic 26-24 fifth set against Anderson.
Although the backlog of matches finally caught up with Isner in the latter stages of the summer, he did live up to his top seed status by prevailing in Atlanta. Even when there are unexpected losses, Isner’s relationship with McKinley has enabled him to put things in perspective.
“Everything that I do in practice, in the gym, that of course helps. But that doesn't necessarily keep you relaxed on the court,” said Isner. “I think being married, being very grounded in my personal life, does help. There are times out there on the court, [I’m] like, ‘Well, [if] this doesn't go the right way, I'll go home tomorrow and be with my wife, who is very pregnant.’”
At an age when many of his peers have either retired or become doubles specialists, Isner is still breaking new ground. He’s shored up his backhand, once considered a liability, into a shot that he can control points with. He’s in the best shape of his career. Isner has also crafted a tournament schedule that will keep him injury-free and he isn’t afraid to put the racquet down for a few days if needed.
But for Isner, the most exciting part of his banner year is that he believes there is still more to come.
“It just goes to show the landscape of our sport is changing and players in their 30s can still be doing very good things,” said Isner. “I really do feel the best I’ve ever felt. At 33, that’s very encouraging. I still feel fit, healthy, strong, eager. You put all that together and it’s a very good recipe.”
