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MIDDLETON — Arms from every direction reached for John Isner. On one side, a woman wanted a picture. On another, a small boy raised his arm as the brim of his cap pointed skyward, in hopes Isner would notice him. At Isner’s back, an older man wanted an autograph.
Isner took the picture, said hello to the boy, and gave his signature. He has always had to deal with people looking at him because he is 6 feet 9 inches. The kind of attention he got last night was different.
Isner was the main attraction at Ferncroft Country Club in his World TeamTennis debut with the Lobsters. No matter where Isner went, everyone wanted to talk to him about the match that made him world famous — the first-round Wimbledon victory over France’s Nicolas Mahut that stretched over three days and lasted 11 hours 5 minutes.
“It’s great to see all these people, and how they are excited about this match,’’ Isner said. “I’m excited to be a part of it. Their enthusiasm from me just meeting a lot of them is pretty cool.’’
Isner was introduced to the sellout crowd before the Lobsters played the Springfield (Mo.) Lasers. He received the loudest ovation after the PA announcer yelled, “Ladies and gentlemen, do not try to outlast this man!’’
Indeed, a large crowd wanted to see Isner play his first match since Wimbledon, where he played the longest match in tennis history.
After several media appearances, Isner was back for his World TeamTennis debut. And although he was ranked 18th in the world, Isner was worried about performing well.
“I am a bit nervous,’’ he said before the match. “It’s nice to know everyone is here for you. I know a lot is expected of me. I think I’m good at playing well under pressure.’’
If he felt jitters, the fans didn’t seem to notice. Isner started the mixed doubles match with a hard ace down the left side corner. He made volleys, drop shots, and the occasional backhand winner.
But then the rain came, which delayed the match for more than an hour.
After the delay, Isner faced Rik De Voest in his singles set at Latitude Sports Club. In the final set of the match, Isner showed his powerful first serve, with numerous winners down the middle of the court at more than 100 miles per hour, which gave him the lead. After taking a 4-3 advantage, Isner won the set by breaking De Voest with two backhand returns.
Since the Lobsters won the final set, they forced an extra set. Isner won the first game of overtime, but he couldn’t break De Voest’s serve as the Lobsters fell, 22-19.
