John Isner Opens Up on Playing Without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic at Miami Open 2021

Published 03/25/2021, 11:19 PM EDT

Despite Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s absence, the Miami Open 2021 is on a splendid roll. Recently, the American professional John Isner expressed views on the absence of the big three.

It is the first time after Paris Masters 2004 when the big three skipped a Masters 1000 event. However, the 35-year-old American believes that it is the start of many.

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John Isner calls big 3’s absence in Miami an opportunity

John Isner, a former Top 10 player, claimed that the absence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic is an opportunity for others. He even mentioned the importance of the tournament from the view of the spectators.

“In a sense, it’s a good litmus test as to how people will perceive this event without those three guys,” Isner said. “Because, of course, they won’t be playing forever.”

Furthermore, the 18th seed elaborated on how players should make the most of the given opportunity. He believes that it is also time for other professionals to show their exceptional worth.

He said, “It’s a unique opportunity for a lot of players to try to do well in this event without them in the field. It’s also a unique opportunity to be able to showcase all the players that aren’t Roger, Rafa and Novak.”

Previously, the tennis trio was absent at the 2020 US Open. Even though the Serbian had participated, he got disqualified after accidentally hitting a linesperson. As a result, a new hero, Dominic Thiem, became the champion of the New York Slam.

Similarly, it is time for a new face to rise at the Sunshine tournament of South Florida.

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What are John Isner’s chances at Miami Open 2021?

Isner is the 2018 champion and the defending finalist in Miami. Consequently, his chances to win the event are more favorable than anybody else.

However, the next-generation force has also gotten powerful since the last Miami Open tournament. Thus, it would be a good test to check his game against the current Top 10 players.

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The 35-year-old American would battle compatriot Mackenzie McDonald first, who won a controversial match in the first round. Following that, he could either face the eleventh seed and rising Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime or Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Do you think Isner will reach the final in Miami for the third straight year?

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Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

John Isner Opens Up on Playing Without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic at Miami Open 2021

John Isner calls big 3’s absence in Miami an opportunity

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What are John Isner’s chances at Miami Open 2021?