Tennis

John Isner, the former world No. 8 tennis player, has transitioned into broadcasting after retiring from the sport in 2023. In a recent episode of "Served with Andy Roddick," Isner shared his experiences and insights on his retirement and the current state of American men's tennis.Isner admitted that the transition to broadcasting has been a bit strange, especially with the change in parking privileges at tournaments. However, he emphasized that he had no plans to retire when he did, but his body forced him to make the decision.Despite missing certain aspects of tennis, Isner acknowledged that he is still adjusting to retirement. He noted that other former athletes have told him it takes 12-24 months to fully process the transition.Isner's retirement experience differed from Roddick's, who didn't miss tennis immediately after retiring. Roddick attributed this to his younger age and the fact that he didn't question his ability to still play.Isner also discussed the challenges of being a tall player, which required him to adjust his training regimen. He emphasized the importance of staying healthy and avoiding injuries.Isner praised the current generation of American men's tennis players, including Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, but admitted that he has little in common with them. He joked that Tommy Paul, who chose to turn professional instead of attending college, made the right decision given his party-loving nature.Isner and Roddick will face the Bryan brothers in an exhibition match at the Atlanta Open. Despite their previous disastrous doubles experience at the 2012 Olympics, Isner believes they have a chance to win.

Tennis Stars Dive into the Deep with Dolphin Sound ChallengeInspired by the iconic mascot of the Miami Dolphins football team, Tennis Channel has introduced a unique challenge for ATP and WTA players competing at the Miami Open. Held at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Dolphins, players were tasked with showcasing their best dolphin impressions.The challenge sparked a range of reactions, with some players embracing the opportunity to unleash their inner marine mammals. Others, however, seemed less enthusiastic about the task.Among the standout performers was American tennis star John Isner, who delivered an impressive dolphin sound that earned him high praise from the commentators. Other notable participants included Stefanos Tsitsipas, who attempted a more subtle approach, and Naomi Osaka, who opted for a playful rendition.While not all players were equally adept at dolphin impersonations, the challenge provided a lighthearted moment during the intense competition of the Miami Open. It also highlighted the playful spirit and camaraderie among the players.The dolphin sound challenge has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans sharing their reactions and favorite impressions. It has also sparked a debate about which player delivered the most authentic dolphin sound.Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or simply enjoy a good laugh, the dolphin sound challenge is a must-see. It's a testament to the creativity and humor that can be found in the world of professional sports.

Tennis Channel has announced the addition of recently retired American tennis stars John Isner and CoCo Vandeweghe to its on-air team for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. The tournament, scheduled from March 6-19, is considered one of the most prestigious events outside the sport's four majors.Isner, a former world No. 8 in singles and 14 in doubles, boasts 16 ATP Tour titles and eight seasons as the top-ranked American men's player. He holds the record for most aces served in ATP Tour and major singles matches with 14,411. Vandeweghe, on the other hand, was a US Open doubles champion in 2018 and a singles semifinalist at the Australian Open and US Open the year prior. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 9 in singles and 14 in doubles.Isner and Vandeweghe will join an esteemed on-air team that includes Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, and Andy Roddick. Navratilova, a former champion at both Indian Wells and Miami, will provide expert analysis alongside Courier, who won both tournaments' singles championships back-to-back in 1991. Davenport, a Southern California native, has a strong track record at Indian Wells, having won the singles title twice and the doubles title four times. Roddick, who will be an in-studio analyst during Tennis Channel's coverage of the Miami Open, has won singles championships at both events.Tennis Channel's coverage of the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open will span 25 days, from March 6-31, with over 550 hours of live and encore matches. The network's platforms, including Tennis Channel, T2, and Tennis Channel Plus, will offer comprehensive coverage of the tournaments, including live competition, match replays, and expert commentary.The BNP Paribas Open will feature live coverage on Tennis Channel most days, with lead-in show "Tennis Channel Live at the BNP Paribas Open" preceding the matches. The women's singles final is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. ET, followed by the men's singles championship at 5 p.m. ET.The Miami Open will follow a similar schedule, with "Tennis Channel Live at the Miami Open" airing at the end of live coverage most days. The women's singles final is set for Saturday, March 30, at 3 p.m. ET, with the men's final taking place the following afternoon at the same time.Tennis Channel Plus will provide live matches during both tournaments and allow viewers to select from multiple courts. All matches from both events will be available on demand after their completion.