John Isner Says He Led The Tour In Getting Drug Tested At Home Last Year, And It Was “Brutal”

With drugs the unfortunate topic in tennis these days, John Isner was asked in press about the amount of testing in the sport, and he said he got tested at home (out of compeition) more than anyone.

“We all get tested a lot,” Isner said Sunday. “I know I do. I think I led the league last year in like home tests or something. They ring my doorbell at 6:00 a.m. It’s brutal. It’s good for the sport that they are always checking up on us. Our team got checked in Davis Cup as well at 6:00 a.m. we had some good bonding in the testing room there at our hotel.

“Each player that’s in the drug testing pool has to give one hour where they know they will be home. When I’m home in Florida I know I’m going to be sleeping between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., so if I hear the doorbell come I got to take the test. I think the rule is if they come outside that hour and I am not home — obviously if it’s 2:00 in the afternoon and I’m out doing something, I can’t get in trouble if I’m not there.”

Isner also commented on the Maria Sharapova scandal saying he hopes the Russian isn’t out for too long.

“It seems to me it was an unfortunate situation for her. You know, she admitted her mistake and, you know, it’s a tough pill to swallow for, you know, tennis in general because she’s such a huge draw and especially on the women’s side. So, you know, hopefully, you know, I would hope that she doesn’t get a four-year ban. That could be extremely detrimental. We will see what happens. Tennis is a lot better when she’s around.”

Isner is in doubles later today with partner Milos Raonic. He’s back in singles tomorrow against Adrian Mannarino.

The American made the Indian Wells finals in 2012 and the semifinals in 2014.