John Isner and coach Justin Gimelstob announced on Monday that they are no longer working together. The decision was apparently Gimelstob’s, as the 39-year-old cited personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with his son as primary factors.
“After an incredibly enjoyable year and a half coaching one the best talents in the sport, John and I have decided to end our professional relationship,” a statement from Gimelstob read. “I’m very proud of what John has accomplished and I wish him the best moving forward. I have every confidence John’s best tennis is ahead of him and he will achieve great things the rest of his career.
“Unfortunately, I am experiencing some very challenging times in my personal life and thus need to prioritize quality time with my son, along with focusing on my responsibilities with the ATP World Tour and Tennis Channel. I will always be thankful for the opportunity to coach such an accomplished player, but more importantly such a quality person. John has an incredible team and support system around him, and being a part of that special group will be amongst what I will miss most. I wish John all the best, and look forward to cheering him on and supporting him for years to come.”
In their one full season together, Isner came within one set of finishing in the top 10. The 6’10” American fell to David Ferrer 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters, when a victory would have allowed Isner to overtake Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the year-end 10th spot.
Currently 15th in the rankings, Isner has seen his momentum halted in the unlikeliest of ways. Once a force in final-set tiebreakers, he has lost in such situations on three consecutive occasions in 2016. In fact, Isner’s last three losses have all come in third-set tiebreakers, including two from match point up and another from a mini-break up (against Tim Smyczek in Miami).
“I am disappointed to no longer be working with Justin, but fully understand his decision and his need to spend as much time with Brandon as possible,” Isner wrote. “I am very appreciative of all his help and know I am a much better tennis player in every way after the time we have spent together. I will always be thankful for Justin’s guidance and unmatched knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. I know we will remain close friends and I will always count on his support throughout the remainder of my career.”
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who’s next for Big John?
I read in Jan., Justin was going through a divorce, maybe this is what it’s about. Sorry to see the ending, John did well last year. Struggling a bit this year, but I don’t think that’s due to coaching, he needs to get healthy first. Glad to see he’s taking 3 weeks off, hopefully to recover. Not sure how he’ll do in Houston, depends on elbow and knee.
3 weeks off when?
After Houston, he doesn’t play again until Madrid. not playing Monte Carlo
?
ah I found an article that mentioned divorce. Interesting.
Given Gimelstob’s past, I hear Ray Moore is available.
hahaha
Ooops, I only read the headline.
Sincerely hope things work out for his son. Sounds like Justin’s heart and priorities are in the right place.
Not to make light of the break-up with Isner. Sorry to hear about that.
I’m on the Fritz/Tiafoe bandwagon and hope both do win a GS — but I don’t know who the next American will be.
Okay guys, question time! yipee! Now that Isner is without a coach, I know he’s got that guy from Saddlebrook, do coaches call him, or does he call coaches?
he’s not Roger Federer. He calls coaches.
LOL! Thanks!