Big-serving American John Isner offered himself a challenge this February, opting to play all his tournaments on his weakest surface, clay, rather than protecting himself in the confines of the hard courts in Europe. However, Isner believes that he has a better shot at success on the red dirt in Latin America.

Clay Over Indoors

Despite the fact that clay does not work well with his big hitting, big serving style of play, which indoor hard courts theoretically would, Isner actually prefers the slow clay than the speedy indoor hard courts.

I feel I can play well on clay. Believe it or not, I play better on clay than what I do indoor. Also, my career will not last forever” says Isner.

Isner kisses his US Clay Court Championship Trophy in 2013. Photo: Thomas Shea/The Chronicle
Isner kisses his US Clay Court Championship Trophy in 2013. Photo: Thomas Shea/The Chronicle

While that statement may seem surprising at first, the statistics back it up. Isner has reached three career finals on clay, winning two. He has only reached one final on indoor hard court, which he lost. Isner also has had some strong results against the top players on clay, including against French Open champions Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Beating Roger [at the 2012 Davis Cup] has been the best victory on clay in my career. Sometimes I played with Nadal as well and once I brought him to the fifth [at Roland Garros 2011].

Ironically, Isner was ousted in his opening match in Buenos Aires this week.

The Problem with Being Tall 

Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Isner, who towers over most opponents at 6’10, also spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of being tall. Isner's favourite part of being a tall tennis player will come as no surprise: "The advantage of being tall is that you can hit ball much more forward and you can create many good angles for yourself, especially with my serve. Obviously serve is and will be my best shot."

However, there are disadvantages to being tall as well. While having a wide wingspan like Isner and other tall players do, the American explains that it does not make up for the trouble moving around the court. “I do not move well like Fognini, Nadal or Ferrer do. I am taller and my weight is more, but it's something I always work. Considering my physique, I think I move quite well.

Isner will next take to the court next week in Rio de Janeiro.

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About the author
Pete Borkowski
Tennis has always been my obsession. What better way to channel that obsession than writing about it? After 18 months of blogging with Sportsblog.com as the writer of A Fan Obsesseds blog, all the while completing my Bachelors in history and French, I joined VAVEL so that I can better share my love and knowledge of tennis with the world.