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USA Tennis Preview: John Isner Becomes First Georgia Tennis Player To Reach Olympics

John Isner was a highly decorated tennis player for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2004-07. Named an All-American eight times and helping the Bulldogs win the 2007 national championship, he makes history being the first Georgia tennis alumni to reach the Olympics.

Isner is the highest ranked American singles player at No. 11. He will be pairing with Andy Roddick (No. 22) to play in the doubles competition in addition to the singles competition. Bob and Mike Bryan, Donald Young and Ryan Harrison will all join Isner on the men's tennis team in London.

Isner's college coach, Manny Diaz, spoke very highly of how Isner excited and honored Isner is to be playing at the Olympics this year.

It's a big honor for John and it's a big honor for UGA to be represented by John. It's the biggest honor to be representing our country. I think John feels that way, and he mentioned it to me last summer, as early as a year ago. And when he learned that he was going to be asked, he was ecstatic. It's a great honor to be involved with the world's greatest athletes of all sports.

Though the chances of Isner medaling could be a long shot, this competition could show how much potential Isner has going forward.

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Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.