Travel-shy American John Isner needed little more than a roll out of bed in toney Highland Park to make it to his local ATP 250 for a 7-6(5), 7-6(1) Tuesday win over Tseng Chun-Hsin for a second-round place at the ATP event in Dallas.
The 39th-ranked Isner, who famously limits his overseas experience on the Tour to the bare minimum, has won 14 of his 15 titles in the US. His lone exception: far-away Auckland in 2014.
In 17 seasons he has only reached the second week twice eight times at a Grand Slam, his most recent outing producing a first-round ouster at the Australian Open.
His Dallas opener was marked by 22 aces as the US Open wrist injury victim played only his fifth match since his autumn mishap.
“I would love to win some tennis matches in Australia. It just never happens,” the hometown fifth seed said.
“I normally play my best at home, in the United States, and this is actually home.
“I’m a homebody and very lucky to have this tournament here in my backyard. I’m happy to move on. I’ve got to keep improving, and I think I can.”
Isner, 37, is defending a semi-final at the event from 2022, when he lost a record 46-point tie-break—the longest-ever in singles on the Tour.
Against No. 108 Tseng from Taiwan, Isner could not convert on any of his five break chances, but held on thanks to his booming serve.
