Meet John Isner: Five Questions with Youth Inc.'s Tennis Ambassador

John Isner, a former world No. 8 in singles, is renowned for his powerful serve and holds the record for the most aces in ATP history. He also played the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon 2010 and continues to engage with his fans through Instagram.

We asked Isner, our tennis ambassador, five questions about youth sports, life lessons, and more.

1. What’s your favorite youth sports memory?

My favorite youth sports memory is finishing a tennis tournament in North Carolina on a Sunday, then jumping in the car with my dad that afternoon to head straight to a basketball tournament. That stands out to me because I really enjoyed playing both sports.

2. Who has been the most influential person or coach in your life?

My mother has been the most influential person in my life. When I was a freshman in college, she overcame a battle with colon cancer, and she's been a huge inspiration to me ever since.

My most influential coach was my college coach Manny Diaz at the University of Georgia. He is one of the main reasons I was able to go pro and have a successful career.

3. What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your sport that has shaped your life?

The commitment and dedication I learned through sports have stuck with me the most. They are exactly what you need to succeed in both sports and in life. Tennis also helped me keep perspective. Even when I was down about poor performance, I could step back and appreciate how lucky I was to play tennis for a living.

4. What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?

I would tell myself not to get so wrapped up in results. Around that age, if I lost a match or had a bad basketball game, I would really let it affect me. I would tell myself to focus on having fun and remember that improvement comes little by little.

5. What is a motto or belief that you live by?

One of my favorite sayings is "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." It has stuck with me for a long time and continues to motivate me.

More from John Isner:

Check out this conversation that John Isner had with tennis coach Bryan Shelton about communication with coaches.

Watch a highlight reel of Isner's best shot over the years on the ATP Tour:

Check out the Nothing Major Show, John Isner's podcast with Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock. The former pros break down the biggest moments in tennis, share behind-the-scenes tour life, and go head-to-head in friendly banter.

Follow the Nothing Major Show Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with new episodes.

Check out Isner's website here.

For more from John Isner, follow him on Instagram and X.