Citi Taste of Tennis is gearing up for its 20th anniversary this year and tennis fans are thrilled. John Isner, the ambassador, is no exception. We chatted with Isner about the slew of changes in his life and getting ready for the big event.
You recently became a father and are expecting your second, how has that changed your mindset and preparation?
JOHN ISNER: The biggest thing about becoming a father and with another baby on the way is that playing in such a pressurized sport such as tennis, having a child helps give me great perspective about the most important things in my life. I’m always hard on myself when I lose a tough match, but knowing I have my family waiting for me with smiles helps provide comfort and a sense of peace when it comes to tennis. I’m able to go out and enjoy my work.
This year will be the 20th anniversary of Citi Taste of Tennis New York. What are you most excited about?
JI: I always enjoy participating in Citi Taste of Tennis in New York and this year I am truly excited to show off some of my new cooking skills that I developed while I’ve been home with my wife and daughter.
The theme to Citi Taste of Tennis New York is “Party Like It’s 1999,” who was your favorite '90s musician?
JI: There’s definitely a lot to choose from, but I’ll go with Tim McGraw.
How does Citi Taste of Tennis enhance your tennis experience at various tournaments?
JI: Going to the Citi Taste of Tennis is always an awesome experience as it provides for me the opportunity to interact with some pretty knowledgeable and enthusiastic tennis fans while we are able to eat some delicious food. Now that I’ve become an ambassador, it allows me to be able to attend the different events that Citi Taste of Tennis hosts and discover some new and exciting foods and people in places I only get to visit once a year.
What is your favorite food?
JI: My favorite is a steak with sweet potatoes and a salad.
When did you know you were going to play professional tennis?
JI: It was during my junior year at The University of Georgia, when I became the No.1 player in college, that I knew I wanted to go pro and that I wanted to give professional tennis a shot.
What is your favorite tournament and why do you like it so much?
JI: That’s hard to say, I’ve had so many memorable experiences at events all around the world. With that said I would have to pick the US open as my favorite as I am able to feed off the crowd’s energy to help propel me to a win.
Citi Taste of Tennis will take place on August 22 from 7-10pm at Cipriani 42nd Street https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citi-taste-of-tennis-new-york-tickets-49554850893?aff=MLonlineeditorial
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