Isner and Anderson will turn Centre Court into land of the giants

Should John Isner reach the Wimbledon final on Sunday, one of the most unpopular patrons the All England Club has ever hosted could be there cheering him on: a certain Donald J. Trump.

Other commitments make an appearance from the US president unlikely, but Isner – a proud Republican from North Carolina – raised eyebrows this week when he said: “I’d love to have Trump watch me. That would be awesome.”

Isner must first overcome the considerable obstacle of Roger Federer’s conqueror, Kevin Anderson – a man who, at 6ft 8in, is only two inches shorter than the American. For a few hours during today’s semi-final, Centre Court will become the land of the giants.

As well as similar physiques, Isner and the South African share a history going back 14 years. Both were stars of their American university teams and first met in 2004, before competing in Georgia for the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship match.

Isner won 6-1, 7-6 en route to securing the title for the University of Georgia ahead of Anderson’s University of Illinois. Eleven years on, Isner, 33, and Anderson 32, meet at their sport’s most illustrious venue.

Isner believes the pair’s past adds extra intrigue to today’s meeting. “For both of us this match-up is cool,” he said. “It’s a great spotlight on college tennis that one of us is going to be in the Wimbledon final.”

Isner and Anderson also share the distinction of each owning one of the most feared serves in tennis. Isner is top of the aces leaderboard at these Championships with 161; Anderson is third with 123. Isner has also clocked the second-fastest serve with a 144mph bullet. Anderson stands fourth with 140mph.

Both men were seen as underachievers until recently. Anderson was viewed as mentally frail and Isner portrayed as an ace-machine novelty act, most famous for his 7068 fifth set against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon eight years ago.

Isner enjoyed his breakthrough moment earlier this year in Miami when he won his first Masters title. Confidence buoyed, he overwhelmed Milos Raonic on Wednesday to reach his maiden grand slam semi-final. Suddenly America’s 15year wait for a male major champion could nearly be over.

Anderson is an anxious sort, carrying the permanent look of a man concerned he might have left the iron on. He was struggling so much with imposing himself on court that in 2016 he hired Alexis Castorri, Andy Murray’s former psychologist, to bring out his inner beast.

After being instructed to practise his fist pumps and “Come on” shouts, Anderson reached his first slam final at the US Open last year. He backed that up on Wednesday by defeating Federer.

Anderson says he tries to be threatening on court without overdoing it: “I think I’ve evolved from an emotional standpoint. I can harness my energy without being as outgoing with it.”

With so many similarities in game style, today will be decided by who can find the small points of differentiation. A break point here, a lucky return there could be decisive.

For Anderson, it is about balancing aggression with staying calm. For Isner, the mission is clear: make American men’s tennis great again.