Isner Knocks Off Malisse in Opening Round U.S. Open Match

The highest-ranked American in the men's singles draw at the 2012 U.S. Open, John Isner, defeated Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-3, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-6(9) in two hours and 56 minutes. Isner hit 20 aces en route to the win and advances to the second round where he will face Finland's Jarkko Nieminen, a 6-0, 6-2 winner over Mikhail Kukushkin. Throughout the match, Malisse exchanged words with the spectators and the chair umpire. 

The 10th-ranked Isner achieved his best result at the U.S. Open last year when he reached the quarterfinals in a loss to Olympic Gold Medal winner Andy Murray. The North Carolina native is bidding to become the first homegrown winner since Andy Roddick triumphed in 2003 at the Open.