Isner's Ranking: His Rise to Becoming the Top American Tennis Player

In the newly released ATP rankings, John Isner ascends to world #9, his highest ranking to date and in the process, he becomes the 12th different player to hold the distinction as the top men’s tennis player from the United States since the ATP world rankings began in August 23, 1973. How did he get there? Will he stay at the top for a long time?

For an American public that was spoiled until the early years of this century with seeing the top American players winning Grand Slams and staying as world #1, there has been a drought in American tennis success in the ATP tour. Andy Roddick last stayed as world #1 in 2004, and he last won a Grand Slam in 2003. After that, the European triumvirate of Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal – Novak Djokovic started dominating men’s tennis and American success, if at all, has been very limited.

The following is a look of the history of ATP top players from the United States:

Top American – Year Achieved – Career-High ATP Ranking

John Isner 2012 No. 9
Mardy Fish 2011 No. 7
James Blake 2006 No. 4
Andy Roddick 2003 No. 1
Pete Sampras 1992 No. 1
Jim Courier 1991 No. 1
Brad Gilbert 1990 No. 4
Michael Chang 1989 No .2
Andre Agassi 1988 No. 1
John McEnroe 1980 No. 1
Jimmy Connors 1973 No. 1
Stan Smith 1973 No. 3

Isner’s 2011 Season: In 2011, Isner ended the year as the #3 American behind Mardy Fish (#8) and Andy Roddick (#14). He finished in the top 20 for the second year in a row. His 2011 season was highlighted by 2 ATP World Tour titles – winning Newport and Winston-Salem. He made his Grand Slam breakthrough reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open before losing to Andy Murray. He reached the semifinals in Paris and finished his last 32 matches of the season with a 25-7 mark. He earned a career-high $1,170,432 in 2011 for his 2nd straight $1 million+ season. In 2011, Isner led the ATP tour with service games won (91%), most TBs played (58) and won (34) and No. 2 in aces served (811).

Isner’s 2012 Season so Far: In 2012, Isner has already reached two tournament finals at Indian Wells and the recently concluded Houston tennis tournament. On a more promising note, he has beaten three top 20 European players in clay – all on Davis Cup 5-set matches. He beat Roger Federer in Switzerland, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon in France. These wins point to a promising clay court season for Isner in 2012 where he has barely any ranking points to defend.

2012 Win-Loss Record: 20-7
2012 Prize Money: $749,771
2012 Career Prize Money: $3,855,838

John Isner’s Ranking History

Date Singles Rank
16.04.2012 9 (Top ATP player from the United States)
09.04.2012 10 (Top 10)
01.03.2010 20 (Top 20)
14.09.2009 39 (Top 50)
25.02.2008 93 (Top 100)
06.08.2007 193 (Top 200)
30.07.2007 416 (Top 500)
26.09.2005 954 (Top 1000)
01.08.2005 1,306T (First Ranking)