Ask John
General Questions
Who has been your toughest opponent to date?
Roger Federer by far. He is so talented and quick. After that first set, I just couldn't get anything going. He is really unbelievable.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Definitely when my teammates and I won the NCAAs. It was a goal we had for a very long time and after coming so close the year before we really wanted it. We worked hard the whole year and were able to go undefeated, win the National Indoors and our conference. And playing at home in Athens is something I will never forget - it was really special.
What has been your hardest tournament to date?
Probably the Legg Mason because I played so many tie breakers!
I was wondering if you had the chance to play one of the greatest tennis players in the world (alive or dead) who would they be and why?
Submitted by Kara Patin, San Francisco, California
Probaly Roger Federer, and I was fortunate to play him at the 2007 US Open. There are so many other tennis players I wish I would of had the chance to play against such as McEnroe, Connors, Arthur Ashe, Agassi, Sampras, Courier and so many more.
Obviously the U.S. did fantastic in winning the Davis Cup last year and it was a big win at home. Do you have any aspirations to represent the US and do you think you will get the chance to play in a tie the near future?
Submitted by Matt Fitzgerald, Stetson University
I was fortunate to be a hitting partner for the 2007 U.S. Davis Cup team. Just being there in Portland when we won the Davis Cup was an awesome experience for me. Hopefully my ranking will keep on climbing and one day I can play for Patrick McEnroe and represent the United States on the Davis Cup Team. It would be a dream come true!
What was your best memory from playing at the University of Georgia?
Submitted by Bryan Blaustein, Alpharetta Georgia
Definitely winning the NCAA team title my senior year! Go Dawgs!
What was your favorite memory from playing at the University of Georgia?
Submitted by Bryan Blaustein, Alpharetta Georgia
I had so many great memories at the University of Georgia. But Without a doubt winning the NCAA team title my senior year in front of my home crowd was my best and greatest memory fom UGA. I left Athens, Ga with nothing but great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Hey John, When you look at a draw, is there anyone that you get excited about playing or that you know you have a good chance against? Also, I've read that you pull pranks alot, do you have any good ones to share?
Submitted by Katelyn Mateer, Middletown, PA
I got real excited about playing against Roger Federer at the U.S. Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium this past year. In my opinion, he is the best player ever to play the game! If things go right at the Australia Open and I am able to beat the very tricky and very talented Fabrice Santoro in the 1st round and Roger wins his 1st match then I will get a second chance at Federer. I hope that things do go right for me in Australia. To answer the second part of your question, I feel I have a good chance against anyboby out there. That is just the mindset that I have and must have in order to be successful on the pro tour. Yeah I am known for playing alot of pranks on my friends and I have so much fun doing so. Playing pranks is a good way to get my mind off tennis during all the down time that you get while at tournaments. While at Georgia Bo Hodge and I would play alot of planks on our team trainer. We once dipped his toothbrush in hot red pepper sauce. My very best pranks that I have pulled probaly aren't appropriate to share with others. But I have pulled some really good ones!!!!!!
what is your favorite sport other than tennis?
Submitted by Laura S., Pittsburgh PA
My favorite sport other than tennis is football. I never played football( I don't exactly have the best body type for football), but that is my favorite sport to watch and follow. I am pretty much a fan of every sport, I just love competition. I play alot of golf in my sparetime and I played AAU Basketball until the age of 14.
hey man, i got a question bout your serving and volleying. What did you do to became as good at it as you are now. I am about top 100 in the south and want to become a serve and volley player because my coaches tell me i have good hands and solid volleys but they arent as good as they need to be. I already have a big serve, but i want to know how to develop my volley's. What did you do to develop yours?
Submitted by Stephen Dunn, Raleigh, North Carolina
Practice Practice Practice!! The more you work on that part of your game the better you will get at serving and volleying. I would work on alot of reaction drlls, just have your coach feed you balls while you are at the net as quickly as he can possibly feed them at you. Also do not be afraid or hesitant while you are at the net, don't worry about getting drilled by a tennis ball. I have been nailed plenty of times while at the net, it will only make you tougher! Most importantly, work on your footwork!! Footwork is the most overlooked part of the game of tennis. I know that you are probaly tired of hearing your coaches telling you to stay on your toes, but improving your footwork is the quickest way to improve the serve and volley part of your game! I see that you are from Raleigh and my coach in the juniors, Oscar Blacutt, now teaches in Raleigh. He was real good at developing my serve and volley game.
Do you think you will be coming to the Memphis tourny by any chance?
Submitted by Philip Hammond, Brookhaven, Mississippi
Yes I will be coming to the tournament in Memphis. I was just awarded a wildcard into the maindraw. I am really looking forward to that tourney, it's been a while since I have made a trip to Memphis. I am really excited about eating some of that good barbeque!
Do you get nervous before you play your matches and if so, what do you do to get rid of the butterflies?
Submitted by Kelly Jones, Macon, GA
I get a little nervous before matches but after I play the first couple of games my nerves usually calm down a little bit. I think it is good to have some nerves during a match because I think it helps to keep you focused throughout a match. I do not put much pressure on myself during matches and that helps to get rid of some of the butterflies. It is just a tennis match- not a life or death situation.- If you go into a match and just have fun and not take it way too seriously you will have better results.
Hey John, I ballboyed your match against Haas at Legg Mason and I remember your reaction. How did that win feel?
Submitted by Griffin McDermott, Alexandria, Virginia
That win felt awesome, the way in which I won in a 3rd set tiebreaker made it even more special. Not to mention I blew a match point in the second set tiebreaker. Being able to put that behind me and go on to win that match was a great feeling and a great boost to my confidence! That was a great tournament, all the ball boys and girls did a fabulous job!!
Hey John, I am wondering if you plan to play for USA in this year's Olympic Games in Beijing? I know each country can only have 6 players and there are many good players in America. But is the Olympic game one of your goal this year? How confident are you to be able to qualify for the US Olympic Team. BTW, I am a bulldawg too and I will go to China to watch the Olympics. If you can make it, I will cheer for you in the stadium with the stars-stripes flag and the big G flag!!
Submitted by JJ, Atlanta, GA
I hope I will get asked to play in the Olympic games this year. I am not sure what the selection process is. But playing in the Olympic games is definitely one of my many goals this year. If I do make it to Beijing I will be counting on you being there and cheering for me and the rest of the United States players. Thanks for submitting your question JJ!
with Ivo as your partner, you've got the lobs covered but who's going to cover the net skimmers? In your travels, do you have difficulty finding beds that are long enough? Best wishes for good health and few unforced errors.
Submitted by jim sturtevant, athens, ga
That's a good question. As you know, Ivo and I lost first round in the Australian Open. I guess we never got that part figured out. No I don't have diffuculty finding beds long enough, I seem to fit comfortably in every bed I sleep in. Thanks for submitting your question Jim!
First and foremost, congratulations on your unbelievable leap up the rankings last year. Since you already posess the heavy serve and good net coverage, what part(s) of your game will you focus on improving? And what are your expectations/goals concerning this year's end rankings? I wish you all the best, and hope to see you in more opens and ATP tourneys this year.
Submitted by Øystein, Norway
Thank you! There are many parts of my game I will focus on improving this year. I am working very hard on all parts of my game. My coach and I have really been focusing on making my baseline game more consisitent which will allow me to win more points on the baseline and not rely so much on the serve and volley part of my game. I have got very high expectations and have set my goals high fo this upcoming year. I would like to finish this year ranked in the top 20 in the world or higher. If I can stay healthy there is no reason why I will not be able to achieve my goals for this year. Thanks for submitting your question!
You and Dr. Ivo are playing dubs in Melbourne together. Besides each hitting massive serves and shooting for a high first serve percentage, what else do you guys need to do to make a run in the tournament? I am sure any team that faces you will be extremely worried!
Submitted by Matt Fitzgerald, Stetson University
Ivo and I didn't seem to figure that out, as you probaly know now that we lost in the first round. It is always hard to play doubles with someone that you have never played with before. Hopefully, Ivo and I will improve as a doubles team the more we play together. Thanks for submitting your question Matt!
John- I attend a lot of UGA tennis matches each season. Needless to say my friends and I got to watch you play a ton during your collegiate career. I'm curious who gave you the toughest match during practice sessions. The UGA team is usually so strong that I figure practicing against your teammates probably gave you the toughest competition! Also does it make a difference to you if you're playing against a lefty or not ? Is that as big a deal as it is made out to be as it is with Federer/ Nadal ? You played with some fantastic players in college, namely Hodge, Flores, Helgeson, Omerzel, Schnugg, etc. Who was always able to give you a run for your money and why ? Good luck in '08.
Submitted by Ben Daugherty, Atlanta, GA
That's a tough question since as you know all the players on the UGA tennis team are so very talented. If I had to narrow it down I would say that Travis Helgelson and Luis Flores always gave me the toughest competition during practice. We had 3 players last year that could have played court #1(Myself, Helgelson, and Flores) The 2007 UGA Men's Tennis team will go down as one of the best, if not the best, college tennis teams in the history of the NCAA. It was a really special team! Playing against a lefty in my opinion does make a big difference. During my junior career and early on in college I use to dread playing against a left handed player. But, By having Travis Helgelson and Luis Flores, who are both left handed, I was able to practice against them alot and I no longer dread playing a left handed player. Playing a lefty doesn't bother me anymore. Thanks for submitting your question Ben! ps-make sure you attend as many matches as you can this year. The UGA tennis team really appreciates all the fans that come out to watch them play.
Apart from the clothes you wear to play tennis,which i assume are custom made,do you find it difficult to find clothes/shoes that fit you because of your height?
Submitted by Carrie, Brighton,UK
It is fairly difficult to find clothes and shoes that fit me, but not impossible. I am sponsored by Nike and believe it or not my clothes are not custom made. I wear size XXL in all of my Nike clothes and they fit perfectly. When it comes to my casual clothes I usually have to wear sizes that come in XL Tall, which are not that hard to find either in stores or through a catalog. I wear a size 14 in my running shoes and a size 15 in my tennis shoes. I get all of my shoes in those sizes through Nike. Thanks for submitting your question Carrie!
What kind of training do you do for the mental aspect of the game?
Submitted by Jonathan Schwerin, Madison, WI
Very good question! The mental part of your tennis game is extremely important and often overlooked! I do not do any specific training on the mental aspect of my game but I view my mental toughness as one of my strengths on the court. For as long as I can remember I have always done well in close tight matches. I have done so for many reasons: But most importantly I have fun while I am on the court and I do not put any pressure on myself. Winning or losing a tennis match is not the end of the world, it's just a game that I love playing. By looking at it this way I am able to stay more calm and relaxed on the court which keeps me from tightening up in big situations. As you probaly know as soon as you get nervous or tight in a match your game falls apart. I just have fun out there! Thanks for submitting your question Jonathan!
are you playing in another tournament soon?
Submitted by ginky budd, athens, ga.
Yes I am playing in the SAP Open in San Jose which starts on Monday February 18. I play Florent Serra from France in the 1st round. The winner of my 1st round match will then either play Tommy Haas or Robert Kendrick. I had to pull out of some tournaments after the Australian Open due to a stress fracture I suffered in my left foot while I was in Australia. My foot is feeling good now and I am looking forward to getting back on the court starting at the SAP Open in San Jose. Thanks for submitting your question Ginky!
YO, did you switch to the speedport white?
Submitted by Lem Doss, Richmond, Virginia
No I use the Prince 03 White not the speedport. The speedport is a slightly different racquet than just the regular Prince 03. Thanks for submitting your question Lem!
Given your recent success as a collegiate and professional athlete I can imagine the attention from the public has increased significantly. Many succesful athletes and celeberties have there own security/ bodyguards... Have you ever considered hiring someone to keep all of your wild and crazy fans who invade your personal space at a distant?
Submitted by F F, Charlottesville, VA
HAHA! I love this question! My recent success has gained me more attention and scrutiny from the public but not to the point, where aleast right now, I need to hire a personal bodyguard. I think I need to win a couple grandslam tournaments and be the top player in the world for a few years before I will need my own bodyguard! I don't consider myself a celebrity, atleast not yet. It's funny you asked this question because I have joked about this in the past with a friend of mine from Greensboro,Brendan Foley, who is one of my older brother Jordan's best friends. I told Brendan, who is better known as "Foley" if I ever need a bodyguard that he would be the man for the job! Foley is a former college football player who is extremely smooth and would be good at handling situations that a bodyguard would have to handle. Foley is about 6'4" and weighs around 240-250lbs. He is extremely strong and has got lightning quick hands- (trust me you wouldn't want to mess with this guy!) Me and some of my other friends had been trying for years to convince Foley to train for the UFC. He finally listened to us and spent most of last year training for the UFC. Unfortunately Foley has stopped training for now because of the time and demand of his other job. But if I ever need a bodyguard, Foley will be the man for the job! haha! Thanks for submitting your question!
Hi again! My Dad and I love attending the LeggMason tournament in DC and we were wondering whether you are planning on being there. Also, do you know how the Olympics will affect the other players attendance? Thanks so much!!
Submitted by Katelyn Mateer, Middletown, PA
Hey there Katelyn! It's good to hear from you again. I am definitely planning on being there! I am not sure if the Olympics are held at the same time as the Legg Mason, so I do not know how it will affect other players attendance. The Legg Mason tournament will always be one of the most important and special tournaments to me. It is at the Legg Mason where I was given my first real oppurtunity as a touring pro. As you know I took full advantage of that oppurtunity with a remarkable run to the finals and winning all of my 5 matches along the way in 3rd set tiebreakers. Every professional tennis player needs that one breakthrough tournament and the Legg Mason was that tournament for me. I loved everything about the Legg Mason tournament. It is an awesome tournament with great people and great fan support. I was treated so kindly by the tournament directors and the people of D.C.! I can't wait to return! Hope to see you there! Thanks for submitting your question!
Very impressive John! I see red colored strings & am wondering what they are, I think I know. What strings do you use in the o3 White Speedport & at what tension, say on a hard surface? PS just got the demo of the racket & it is sweet!
Submitted by Julio Gonzalez, Miami, FL
Thank you! I actually use the regular Prince 03 white not the Speedport, which is a slightly different racquet. They are both great racquets! The string I use is Technifibre Red Code 1.30. I string my racquets at 65-66 lbs. I might string at 65 lbs for some matches and at 66 lbs for other matches- it just depends on my opponent and if I am over or under hitting the ball. Thanks for submitting your question Julio!
Hi John, I’m 6’6” tall and I have a lot of trouble moving on the court really quickly, getting low for volleys, and being able to pull out the long matches. What kind of drills do you go through to work on these types of things?
Submitted by Jonathan Schwerin, Madison, WI
I would say the most important thing for tall guys like us is stretching! I spend anywhere from 30-45 minutes a day stretching. I didn't stretch much until I got to college, but as soon as I started stretching I noticed quick results in my footwork and the ability to get to low balls. Being able to pull out long matches comes down to your conditioning. I work real hard on and off the court on building up my stamina so I am able to pull out the long matches. Thanks for your question.
Hi John, I am a UGA alum living in London and am wondering if you will be playing in any tournaments in our area leading up to Wimbledon. The Artois Tournament at Queens Club, or the Surbiton Trophy? I hope to see you play at Wimbledon as well. Kind Regards, Patty Dailey GO DAWGS!!!!!!
Submitted by Patty Dailey, London, England
Hey Patty, I will definitely be playing some lead up tournaments before Wimbledon but I am not exactly sure which ones. I should know in 2-3 weeks. I will definitely be playing in the main draw of Wimbledon. I am ranked high enough now for direct entry into all of the Grand Slams. Thanks for your question
Hey John, it's me again. I just wanted to know how long it took you to develop a smooth service motion. I've played for a few years now, not ultra competitively, and I have found it very hard to consistently go after my serve with the same motion every time. Based on your experience, do you think the toss has the biggest effect on it being inconsistent or is it something else? Maybe the problem is that I'm almost 20 and I'm vertically challenged (5ft. 7in) hahaha. I'm guessing it takes a long time to really get that down. Thanks!
Submitted by Matt Fitzgerald, Stetson University
Hey there Matt. Your height should make no difference on maintaining a consistent and smooth service motion. The toss is very important in maintaining a consisitent service motion but there are some other things you should work on as well. 1) Keep a relaxed loose grip on the racquet. This will enable you to get alot more power and wrist snap 2) Always have the same routine before every service motion regardless if it is a first serve or a second serve. Find a routine that is comfortable for you. If you ever watch me serve I always for some reason bounce the ball between my legs before every serve. I don't know why I do this but I always have. Let me know if you ever see me hit a serve before bouncing the ball between my legs- I am pretty sure I do it everytime! 3) Always keep the toss in front of you- you probaly already know to do that Thanks for your question
Just wanted to ask, what is the weirdest thing you've experienced with the fans who follow you? I've seen some pretty crazy fans at tournaments and I'm sure you've had your share of fans asking you to sign ridiculous items or saying something akward, haha.
Submitted by Matt FItzgerald, Stetson University
Hey Matt, I really haven't experienced anything that weird yet. Atleast things that aren't weird to me. I am very approachable and extremely laid back, sometimes too laid back off the court.
Hi John, I was just wondering what is your favourite tournament to play at and why? and also if you could win ANY tournament which would it be and why?
Submitted by Melissa, New Haven, Connecticut
I would have to say that my favorite tournament to play in is the Legg Mason in Washington, D.C. It's my favorite because it was my break through tournament on the pro tour and the fans there in D.C really supported me throughout the tournament. If I could win any tournament it would have to be the U.S. Open. To win a grandslam in my home country would be amazing!
Hi, I want to ask you will you play on roland garros? and what is the next tournament you will play at?
Submitted by Leon Modrić, Zagreb, Croatia
Yes I am playing at Roland Garros. I just got done playing in a clay court tournament in Austria where I lost to Davydenko in 3 sets in the 2nd round. I was pleased with my results in Austria since I have hardly any experience on the red clay. I am very confident going into the French Open. I play Chela in the 1st round.
Wow, dude we have the same name! Not even kidding I have proof! Also, I PLAY TENNIS!
Submitted by John Isner, Parkersburg, wv
That's weird since Isner is not a common household last name. If you were to tell me that your middle name was Robert, it would be really strange. My full name is John Robert Isner. Where are u from?
GEEZ, How much smoother are you than your scrubbier older brother?
I am smoother than Jordan, but I must admit that Jordan is pretty smooth! Jordan has got some really unsmooth friends in Charleston,SC like Charles Warren and Robbie Hollings! THanks for submitting your question
Hello John,don't worry i'm going certainly to watch your match even if i have not ESPN2,but i'm going to watch it.So good luck and I hope you are going to win.I have another question:are you going to play in doubles men in Roland Garros?if yes with wich player?Thanks again and take care too!
Submitted by Manal, Marseille
my match was cancelled for the day because it's starting to get dark in Paris and they don't have any lighted courts. Chela and I both agreed to just start the match tomorrow. So I am playing 2nd match on after 11 am Paris time so I should go on the court around 7 am east coast time, Paris is 6 hours ahead of us. I am playing doubles with Sam Querrey. Take care.
I saw that your match was posponed to tomorrow,but you have just to practice and focus on your game.It's great to know that you play double with Querrey,he's a good player too I just hope you best luck This time i want to Know what's your favourite shot in your service? take care too and nice to correspond with you
Submitted by Manal, Marseille
I have two favorite serves that I like to use: I love hitting a big kick serve out wide to the ad court and I also like jamming my opponent with a hard body serve. There's not much about my serve that I don't like, it's obviously my biggest weapon! Thanks for your support!
It's a great pleasure to support you,I'm very happy SO I just want to know what did you do these days in Paris? I'm waiting for your answer
Submitted by Manal, Marseille
The first couple of days in Paris I spent most of my time hanging out in the player's lounge just hoping to get my match in throughout all of these rain delays. Unfortunately I finished my match on wednesday in which I lost in 5 sets. I have done some sight seeing but not as much as I would like to do. Hopefully I can do more sightseeing these next couple of days. Thanks for your support!
Hello again,I was very disappointed to know that you have lost against Chela,but anyway you play double with Querrey,I want to know when you are going to play??Answer soon and take care
Submitted by Manal, Marseille
Sam Querrey and I have won our first 2 opening round matches and up next for us is the Bryan Brothers. They haven't come up with the schedule or time of our match yet. Wish us luck, we are going to need it!
John, How smooth is your brother Jordan?
Submitted by Matt Mee, Greensboro, NC
Jordan is really smooth!! Or atleast he thiks he is. haha! He isn't nearly as smooth as Matt Mee! Matt Mee is in a league of his own when it comes to smoothness, Matt Mee is on fee!
