JOHN ISNER EARNS 2018 US OPEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 4, 2018 – US Open quarterfinalist John Isner was awarded the men’s 2018 US Open Sportsmanship Award on Tuesday. The award is presented to the professional tennis players who best demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship throughout the US Open Series and the US Open. The women’s honoree will be announced at a later date.

“It’s a great honor,” Isner said during his news conference. “I’m very glad they presented me with that. It’s a huge honor. I’m very appreciative of that. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t expect to receive a trophy after losing in the quarterfinals, but I got that.

“That’s something that, you know, this sport is tough, so, you know, it’s so easy to get very frustrated out there on the court when things aren’t going your way. It’s a one-on-one sport. You’re on an island out there, a lot of people watching you. I guess to keep your cool and be a good sport is very important. It’s what, you know, the young kids look up to. So for them to give me that award, I’m very appreciative of that.”

Eligibility requirements for winners include participating in at least two Series tournaments, as well as the 2018 US Open. Each US Open Sportsmanship Award winner receives a trophy and a $5,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice. 

The USTA started a Sportsmanship Committee in 2011. Its charge is to “educate and inspire youngsters and their parents to develop and exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship and an attitude of fair play and mutual respect on and off the tennis court. Underlying the charge is the ethical imperative that fairness is more important than winning.”