ANDY VOWS TO RETURN
compete at the highest level, the Scot was adamant he’s not given a thought to hanging up his racket and he believes he could, and should have progressed at SW19 and this is not the end.
Murray, who had hoped his reunion with coach Ivan Lendl would help push him deep into the tournament, said: “This year my game is in a better place. I could have had a good run here.
“It’s one of those matches that had I managed to get through then who knows what could have happened.
“It depends on how I am physically. If I feel good then I’ll try to keep playing.
“It’s difficult to make long-term predictions as who knows how I’ll be in a few weeks time, never mind next year?
“I wasn’t undercooked in terms of match play, I didn’t serve as well as I can and I’ll never know why.
“I’ve played enough matches and I was ready to do well here.
“I don’t know why tonight’s match should change that view.
“John was serving extremely well which you’d expect. I missed one or two shots when I had my opportunities and he served very well.
“He didn’t give me lots of chances and I didn’t get many off his second serves.
“Most of the players on the tour will tell you that matches can be won or lost on a few points but I didn’t play well enough on these points.
“These are difficult opponents to play against.
“It was frustrating as I was in a really good place and I felt good but I just couldn’t get that win tonight.
“I’ve played many times against these players and have found a way to make enough returns to win the match.
“I’ve done well against him but you need to try and read the serve a bit better or guess a bit better. But he served well.
“Last year was difficult for different reasons. I didn’t feel like my game was in a position to do well.”
It was a first success for the 37-year-old American against the former world No.1 at the ninth attempt.
It was an imperious display to which Murray had few answers as he struggled to cope with the blistering service game that came his way.
Despite a brief show of resistance from Murray, who clawed himself back into contention by taking the third set after going two down, it was Isner who dominated from start to finish to cap a night of frustration for Murray.
The 20th seed’s brilliant display was only bettered by his show of humility at the end as he showered praise on his beaten opponent.
Isner also insisted this victory is his greatest moment to finally get the better of one of the game’s legends after eight failed previous attempts.
He said: “It is no secret I’m not a better player than Murray. I may have just been a little better than him today.
“It was an incredible honour to play him. I need to relish these moments. This was one of the biggest wins of my career.
“To play as well as I did against one of the greatest players ever is a huge accomplishment for me.
“He is a massive inspiration for us in the locker room and we’re lucky to still have him around.
“I had an incredible serving day and I needed every bit of it to beat him.
“This win will be at the very top for me.”