Former University of Georgia standout John Isner gave Rafael Nadal a bigger challenge than any opponent he would go on to beat at the French Open. That's the good news. But Isner still lost to Rafael Nadal in five sets on Monday, the final line; 6-4, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Five sets was a lot longer than anyone would have anticipated this match to go. Isner fought hard, and on the strength of his enormous serve, was able to keep Nadal on his heels a little bit. But when it came down to it, Nadal was just better today than Isner was. Even in the sets that he lost, Nadal was able to get six games off Isner and forced him to win in a tiebreaker.
But there are no moral victories in tennis, just advancement. Nadal moves on to the next round, while Isner is sent packing. A strong fight, but in the end, nothing to show for it.
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