After Winning A 5-Setter, John Isner Says He’s And He’ll Be Fine Against Tommy Haas

John Isner earned his first 2-set comeback win today defeating fellow countryman Ryan Harrison in the second round at the French Open. The former Georgia Bulldog was down two sets before mounting a rally to win 57, 67, 63, 61, 86 in 3 hours, 50 minutes.

Unfortunately for Isner, because of the rain on Thursday he’ll have to return to the courts on Saturday to face German veteran Tommy Haas. Despite all his marathon matches including that 70-68 win over Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon a few years ago, Isner isn’t considered among the fittest players on the tour, but he says he’ll be OK.

“I will be fine come tomorrow,” said Isner, the last American man left in singles. “Ideally I would have liked not to play tomorrow, but that’s what happens with the rain.

“The fatigue and soreness and whatever. There is no excuses tomorrow. I’m going to feel fine.”

Isner, who battled knee troubles earlier in the year, credits a new diet and a reduction in alcholic intake for what he says is an improvement in his fitness.

“I don’t drink much beer,” he said. “Football Sunday I may have a beer or two, which I’m very much looking forward to this year. But, no, I eat healthy. I have a roommate who, in my opinion, could be a chef at a five star restaurant anywhere in the world. So he actually cooks every night. We have a very good system and he cooks a lot a lot of healthy food. I think it’s paying off up to this point and it will continue to pay off.”

Isner is playing in the third round at the French for a second title. Earlier this year he won his first claycourt title in Houston.