Isner's oddly lopsided season

[Mainad]

I've just been reviewing Isner's stats for 2018 and, up until Miami, they make dismal reading. In the 7 tournaments he played prior to Miami he never made it past the 2nd round and only won 2 matches:

*Auckland: lost in 2nd round (1st round bye) to Chung (ranked #62)
*Australian Open: lost in 1st round to Ebden (ranked #78)
*Davis Cup: beat Lajovic (ranked #84) in 5 sets.
*New York Open: lost in 2nd round (1st round bye) to Albot (ranked #91)
*Delray Beach: lost in 2nd round to Gojowczyk (ranked #94) after beating Albot in 1st round.
*Acapulco: lost in 1st round to Harrison (ranked #60).
*Indian Wells: lost in 2nd round (1st round bye) to Monfils (ranked #42).

Then along came Miami, a tournament he only ever made 1 deep run at before (semi-final in 2015) and he suddenly tears through the draw beating no less than THREE top 10 players in a row (Cilic, Del Potro and Zverev) en route to winning his 1st ever title at Masters 1000 level!

What was it about this year's Miami tournament that suddenly prompted Isner to play his best ever tennis after suffering what had been, so far, one of his worst starts to a season ever?

Did anyone see this coming???

Thoughts?

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

He mentioned it himself in his presser. He explained it (and tight defeats) mostly being mental.

 

[Standaa]

Fed lost his first match so naturally he sensed an opportunity

 

[ChaelAZ]

I love Isner, but he is frustrating to watch at times. This season has been especially tough, but for me I think it has been his attitude and mental focus that has been the biggest issue. The late 20's with love, dating, marriage, and hitting the 30's mark is rough and I've seen it a lot on court. He seemed to be mad and frustrated in every single match. More so than ever. So I think he may be settling down more, have some good coaches talking in his ear to help him focus, and he definitely looks to be playing more aggressive tennis. That was key to winning overall.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

He thought of how smug and arrogant Zverev would be if he won another masters so he stepped up and saved tennis.

Thank you John.

 

[tacou]

One bad loss becomes several. Then, one masters title in doubles becomes one in singles.

 

[Shells15]

He did win the doubles title with Sock at IW.

 

[Mainad]

One bad loss becomes several. Then, one masters title in doubles becomes one in singles.

He did win the doubles title with Sock at IW.

Good point, I forgot he had won the doubles title in IW with Sock. That must have helped boost his confidence going into Miami. I guess no-one foresaw quite how much, probably least of all himself!