Wozniacki, Isner battle at fault line
American John Isner, the No. 13 seed, began play in the U. S. Open with a 6- 2, 6- 3, 6- 4 victory over Malek Jaziri on Tuesday afternoon in New York.
Isner’s news conference following the match was interrupted by Caroline Wozniacki, who also won Tuesday and was waiting for her own news conference.
A reporter asked Isner how much confidence he was feeling going into the U. S. Open.
“Yeah, a lot of confidence,” Isner said. “I played well this summer. It started in Atlanta, and I played well in D. C. and Montreal. Went deep three tournaments in a row, and it really did a number on me physically. I lost a super tough match in Montreal where I left it all out on the court there and didn’t have much in Cincinnati.
“I’m rested up and I’m ready to go. I’m happy to get off the court today in a quick fashion, ala Caroline Wozniacki. I don’t win many matches like that. I don’t win 0- 0 like she does.” That’s when Wozniacki walked into the interview room and some good- natured back- and- forth began.
“Just because you have been playing really well leading up to the U. S. Open, you’re close to the top 10 again, doesn’t mean that you should push my press conference out,” Wozniacki said. “I would appreciate being you being on time.”
“Now that I’m close to the top 10, Caroline is actually talking to me again,” Isner said. “When I was ranked like 90, she would walk right by me. If I could get in single digits, I think I can get some of Caroline’s attention. That’s my goal.”
“I was standing in the hallway and you walked straight past me,” Wozniacki said.
“I didn’t see you,” said Isner, who stands 6- 10.
“He says, ‘ I didn’t see you,’ ” Wozniacki said. “It happens twice in a row and I said, ‘ Well, then look down.’ ”
“I have to get in single digits,” Isner said. “This is my incentive. Caroline talks to me if I get in single digits.”
“Will you be on time then?” Wozniacki asked.
“Yes, I apologize. That’s my bad,” Isner said. “Are you next?”
“I’m not here just for fun,” Wozniacki replied as the room erupted in laughter. “You never know,” Isner said. “No offense,” Wozniacki said. “I thought you really wanted to watch my press conference,” Isner said.