This year thus far has been the breakout year for John Isner – winning his first ATP title, reaching the round of 16 in Australia, and making a heroic Davis Cup debut this weekend in which he played all three days, including a great effort as a last-minute sub in the doubles and a valiant five-set loss to world No. 2 Djokovic in the proud Serb’s hometown.  Isner is at an all-time high in singles at 20, an awesome jump from March 2 a year ago when he had dropped all the way to No. 144.  Ever since Pete Sampras retired and Andre Agassi’s back began to hurt, America’s hopes have ridden on Andy Roddick shoulders.  Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003 and has come close at Wimbledon, no more so than last summer when he had chances to knock off Federer, but has not produced another championship.  With Roddick turning 28 this year, he might have a few more shots, but I think 24-year-old Isner is not our next best chance.  With his humongous serve, he has a puncher’s chance, especially on the fast courts of U.S. Open (which the USTA should keep speeding up by the way, especially since Wimbledon and Australia’s surfaces have slowed in past years).

The obvious comparison to Isner is Ivo Karlovic, the 6-10, 230 pound Croatian (Isner is 6-9, 245 pounds).  Both hit serves from a lofty trajectory, piling up aces, giving them a chance to push every set to a tiebreaker.  Karlovic is 31, and still competing strong, ranked 29 in the world.  His high was No. 14 two years ago.  Isner, however, has more game than Karlovic.  Isner’s forehand is big too, and he’s volleying better (and it was great to see him hold his own at the net in the doubles yesterday.)  I think the key for him will be fitness and developing a better net game.  For too long we’ve watched Roddick bang 130 mph serves and then stay on the baseline.  Big John needs to keep at it in doubles and in singles get into net, where his wing span is wide and he can put the ball away. 

There’s no doubt he can step in to fill the Davis Cup role long-occupied by Andy Roddick.  I’m hoping one day we’ll see him hunker down and raise with long arms a Grand Slam trophy over his head, afterward donning a Georgia Bulldog cap for the press conference.  With what he showed this weekend, fighting Djokovic tooth-and-nail on clay, I believe he can do it. 

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