By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, July 11, 2018
John Isner served his way into his first ever Wimbledon semifinal over Milos Raonic.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
John Isner, in a Wimbledon quarterfinal that was expected to be a serve fest, now finds himself into his first ever career major semifinal. Now after 41 appearances at a Grand Slam, Isner is now in a major final four for the first time.
The No. 9 seed Isner served his way to a four set 6-7(5), 7-6(9), 6-4, 6-4 over No. 13 seed Milos Raonic on an eventful Wednesday at Wimbledon.
Both players entered the match knowing that they would not have to face Roger Federer in the next round. That was due to Kevin Anderson’s unexpected five set comeback win over Federer on the same court. But, both players had to focus on the task at hand as they each tried to find ways of breaking the other’s big serve.
The first set, as expected needed a tiebreak to decide who would take an early advantage. Raonic, with a big return, soon earned a quick mini break for 2-0. But the former Wimbledon finalist had to fight to hang on to his lead before taking the set 7-6(5).
With baseline rallies few, Isner and Raonic focused on holding serve that included each man hitting 42 aces total in the first two sets. As in the first set, a tiebreak was needed to decide the second set.
Raonic held a set point late in the tiebreak. But Isner did well to pick up a low volley to fight off a set point. From there, Isner with a good low return that earned him a set point soon leveled the match at one set all.
Isner took control of the match in the third set when he achieved the near impossible - a precious service break. Isner broke for 3-2 lead and that gave him renewed energy and confidence.
Soon enough, Isner with a 123 MPH serve, closed out the set 6-4.
Raonic, who had his thigh taped, soon saw the trainer to work on his leg. With Raonic’s movement hindered, that just gave Isner more opportunity to seize control of the match.
Raonic, facing another early break, couldn’t handle a low volley while down break point. That gave Isner yet another break to take a 3-2 lead.
From there, it was all about Isner holding on to his serve. Isner a few games later up 5-3 soon served for the match. On match point, Isner ripped a backhand pass winner to complete the four set win.
Isner is now the first American man to reach a major semifinal since Sam Querrey did so last year at Wimbledon.