Back in 2018 at Wimbledon, John Isner once joked, “We never talk about tennis, ever. So it’s more like I’ll send him a text and ask him what he had for dinner. Not, ‘Hey, good job on your win,” referring to his close bond with fellow American ace Sam Querrey. Despite facing each other 6 times in court and teaming up for doubles, their lighthearted friendship always took center stage. Now both retired and hilariously more vocal about tennis than ever, the duo finds themselves on the other side of the sport, covering the Italian Open as it heads into its grand finale. However, recently, they humorously spilt the beans about how Roger Federer unexpectedly played a role in one of their doubles defeats in the Rome final. But how?
John Isner and Sam Querrey, longtime friends and partners on the court from the same land, boast 2 doubles titles together: their 1st at the ATP Challenger Tour in 2007, and then at the Memphis Open in 2010, where Querrey also clinched the singles crown.
Over the years, the pair have teamed up in several ATP events, including representing the US in the Davis Cup. But while they never added another doubles title to their resume, one moment from the 2010 Italian Open still lives rent free in their memories: a final they lost, thanks in part to a certain Swiss icon.
In a recent episode of the “Nothing Major Show” aired on May 17, John Isner hilariously recalled how Roger Federer may have inadvertently cost them the title in Rome. As the Italian Open reached its final stages this year, the conversation turned nostalgic. “Sam Querrey like practiced like four hours with Fed like like two hours before the match you know like went he went like 8 to 12 with Fed and we played at two or was kind of we got crushed we lost like two we lost,” Isner quoted, setting the stage.
Sam then chimed in, adding to the memory with a laugh, “We lost one and one, one and one yeah we got destroyed two and three it Gosh it didn’t even feel that close did it.” Isner quickly jumped in with another gem of a speech: “That that was the same year we took out Fed and Algro in the quarterfinals where Fed got the elegance award.” Querrey, defending his choice, replied, “Hey you can’t you can’t turn down I was 20 years old you can’t turn down hit with Fed you know.” And Steve Johnson suddenly brought it all home: “That’s a beat down.”
But what happened in the 2010 Italian Open men’s doubles final though? Well, the defending champions, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjić, were ousted in the 2nd round by Pablo Cuevas and Juan Mónaco. This opened the door for other contenders. Isner and Querrey reached the final at the tournament but were no match for their compatriots, the legendary Bryan brothers. Bob and Mike Bryan stormed through the match, claiming a dominant 6–2, 6–3 victory.
Now retired, Isner and Querrey reflect on those days with humor as well as perspective. And while they can laugh about it now, it’s clear that Roger Federer’s surprise practice session with a 20-year-old Querrey before the Rome final remains one of the most entertaining what-ifs in ATP doubles lore in recent times.
Meanwhile, Federer himself continues to delight fans with glimpses into his comeback reflections, proving that even in retirement, his influence stretches far and wide!
“I’d love to play some more tennis again,” Roger Federer opens up
Roger Federer’s charm and influence in the professional tennis world remain untarnished, even after his retirement. His continued central role in the prestigious Laver Cup, a tournament he founded to celebrate Rod Laver, underscores his global acclaim. While he’s frequently spotted swinging golf clubs these days, the Swiss icon seems ready to dust off his racket.
In a recent chat with TNT Sports, Federer revealed his itch to return to the court. “Honestly, I’d love to play some more tennis again… Enough with the golf, I’ve played so much. So seriously, I would love to start playing two or three times a week and hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court and fill up a few nice [stadiums] around the world. I have no plans yet.”
Though fans shouldn’t expect a GS comeback, Federer’s passion for tennis hasn’t dimmed. “I’ve hardly played since my retirement; my body and mind needed a break. I’ve played a little with my kids, but I’d like to get back into it seriously,” he said.
While he enjoys his well-earned break now after winning 20 GS titles, Federer’s business empire and off-court ventures continue to flourish. Still, fans worldwide can’t help but wonder, where will the legend appear next? Any guesses?
The post 15 Years On, Ex-American Pros Reveal How Roger Federer ‘Destroyed’ Their Rome Doubles Run appeared first on EssentiallySports.
