John Isner: They should call new Wimbledon final-set rule the Isner Rule

John Isner has welcomed Wimbledon’s decision to introduce final-set tie-breaker, but he feels he deserves some recognition for the rule change.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced on Friday that as of next year, matches will go to tie-breaks once the score hits 12-12 in the final set.
The change comes on the back of a couple of historic matches involving Isner. Back in 2011, the American and Nicolas Mahut took 11 hours and five minutes to complete their match with the final set, which Isner won 70-68, taking eight hours, 11 minutes.
Then in June this year, Isner and Kevin Anderson served up a six-hour, 35-minute epic with the South African winning the final set 26-24.
It prompted AELTC to change the rules and Isner, for one, is happy with the decision.
“I have said all along 12-all is good,” he told BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek.
“That is sensible – you’re getting people who like the advantage and people who like tie-breaks. It is bucking tradition but a lot of people believe that is not a bad thing.
He added: “The next match that gets to that, they should just say we will now play the Isner Rule,” he said. “I don’t think they are going to do that, but I think I’ve been a big driving force for it.”
The US Open already uses the traditional tie-breakers in the final set, but the world No 10 believes it is time for the Australian Open and Roland Garros to follow suit.
“It may be that Wimbledon acting like this could drive them to do it as well,” Isner said.
He added: “There is drama enough in a tie-breaker. You could argue there is more drama in that.”
More from Tennis365:
ATP and WTA betting preview: Erratic Roger Federer looks vulnerable on home soil
Tennis Today: Maria Sharapova’s agent hits back at the ‘lies’ and Tim Henman tipped for ‘the jungle’
Who will win the 2018 WTA Finals? Naomi Osaka? Caroline Wozniacki? Angelique Kerber?
Wimbledon confirms drastic final-set rule change after marathon matches
Simona Halep named WTA Player of the Year as Serena scoops comeback gong
Latest
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka backed to win ‘another five to 10 majors as she that all-court game right’
How many Grand Slams will Naomi Osaka win?
-
News
Francesca Jones reaches maiden Grand Slam main draw after coming through Australian Open qualifying
Jones secured a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
-
ATP Tour
‘I’m fired up,’ says Sebastian Korda after beating Cameron Norrie to reach maiden ATP Tour final
Sebastian Korda too good for Cameron Norrie.
-
Tennis News
‘You have left us here heartbroken’ – Juan Martin del Potro’s poignant tribute to his late father
An emotional letter from Juan Martin del Potro.
-
ATP Tour
‘Real fortunate to get through,’ says Cameron Norrie after beating Frances Tiafoe at Delray Beach Open
Cameron Norrie continues great run at Delray Beach.
-
Australian Open
Strict Australian Open quarantine regulations announced and those who flout rules face heavy fines
Officials will come down hard on those who flout rules.
-
Tennis Today
Tennis Today: Player in face mask U-turn, Rafael Nadal’s cousins following in his footsteps
Tennis Today features Osaka and Nadal.
-
Australian Open
‘I decided to stay home,’ says John Isner after pulling out of the 2021 Australian Open
‘It wasn’t an easy decision at all,’ says John Isner.
-
Tennis News
Kyle Edmund forced to withdraw from Australian Open due to long-standing knee problem
Kyle Edmund won’t feature at the 2021 Australian Open.