NEW YORK — The very first Grand Slam loss of John Isner's career — back when he was ranked 184th, only a few months removed from leading Georgia to an NCAA tennis title, and still officially listed at 6-foot-9 — came against none other than Roger Federer.
It was at the 2007 U.S. Open, and Isner actually managed to win the first set before being beaten in four.
They'll meet again at Flushing Meadows on Monday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this time in the fourth round, and plenty has changed for Isner.
For one thing, he is now the top American man, seeded 13th in this tournament.