John Isner is an American tennis legend who played on the ATP Tour for 16 years.
The American, who played on the tour between 2007 and 2023, has moved into the media sphere since his retirement, co-hosting the Nothing Major Show.
Isner, who won the longest-ever tennis match against Nicholas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, discussed the upcoming clash between British player Dan Evans and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic, who recently shared players’ feelings towards Dan Evans, overcame a stomach issue to defeat Alexandre Muller. Meanwhile, Evans swept aside compatriot Jay Clarke.
John Isner says Dan Evans will not win a set against Novak Djokovic
Speaking on the Nothing Major Show, Isner was asked by Sock whether Dan Evans could win a set or two against Djokovic.
Isner replied: “No. Dan Evans is playing very well but not a great draw for him.
“This draw just is insane! If he was in any other section you could see him [Evans] making the second week.
“I like Novak in this tournament period, all the way through!”
In the first round at Wimbledon, Djokovic looked to be in trouble against France’s Alexandre Muller. The Serbian failed to convert 11 break-point opportunities in the second set, allowing Muller to level the tie at one set a-piece.
Things looked even more dire for Djokovic when he requested a medical timeout. Djokovic later revealed in his press conference that this was a stomach issue.
Djokovic ultimately won the contest, emerging victorious by a scoreline of 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-2.
Meanwhile, Evans dismissed compatriot Jay Clarke, winning 6-1 7-5 6-2. Djokovic and Evans will meet in the Wimbledon second round on Thursday.
Dan Evans wins his first Wimbledon match in four years
For Evans, his victory dispelled an unwanted streak for the British player ranked number 154 on the ATP Tour.
The Brit’s last win at Wimbledon came in the second round four years ago, in 2021. In that tournament, Evans beat Feliciano Lopez in the first round, winning 7-6 6-2 7-5.
After defeating Lopez, Evans dismantled Dusan Lajovic, winning 6-3 6-3 6-4.
However, he was then defeated by rising American star Sebastian Korda, who won 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4.
At this year’s championships, Evans will fancy his chances against Djokovic. Evans is a master at staying in matches against, on paper, superior opponents. If Djokovic’s stomach is still causing him issues and Evans plays his best tennis, the Brit will have ample opportunity to cause the shock of this year’s tournament.
