Roger Federer – 15 aces. John Isner – 17 aces. One double fault each. This stat draws a clear picture of how the fourth round clash between Federer and Isner shaped, with both players coming up with big service games. However, it was the former world number one, who won the match in straight sets, 7-6 (7-0), 7-6 (8-6), 7-5.
The capacity crowd at the Arthur Ashe stadium was treated to some quality play by the duo as the fans supported both the players equally. That might have surprised Isner, who is a local player, but Federer is a legend and receives support wherever he plays.
Amongst the number of quality shots that were in the offing for viewers, one shot that stood out was Isner's drop shot, which spun back to his own side of the net, leaving the Swiss ace was helpless. With it, Federer got a taste of his own medicine as he has performed this trick a few times in the past against his opponents.
Though Isner has been ousted from the competition, he is proud of his performance in the US Open 2015. The American had not dropped a single set heading into the fourth round match against Federer, who was too good for Isner on the night.
"I mean, I did play well here, for sure. You know, going up against him in the Round of 16 is not easy. But I have a lot to be proud of, for sure. I would certainly still like to be in the tournament. I really would have liked my chances against some other players out there. But he was too good. That's what I was up against. There's nothing you can do about that," said Isner.
Federer has been in sublime form right from the Cincinnati Masters last week, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win the prestigious title ahead of the US Open. The Swiss ace has carried that form into the last Grand Slam of the year as Federer has not lost a single set so far.
But, without a shadow of doubt, Isner has proved to be his biggest test in the competition. Federer, who faces Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals, is gunning for his sixth US Open title after having won the title five times in a row from 2004-2008.
