In a recent expository conversation on the Nothing Major podcast, John Isner, the former world No 8, opened up about his challenging experiences practicing with tennis titan Rafael Nadal. The American player, known for his powerful serve, described the practice sessions with the legendary Spaniard as “horrible.”
Isner, whose career spanned from 2007 to 2023, is a winner of 16 ATP singles titles. His most remarkable victory was at the Miami Open in 2018. Despite his accomplishments, Isner’s record against Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is less than stellar. Excluding their encounters at the Laver Cup, Isner’s head-to-head record against Nadal stands at a disappointing 1-8.
One of their most memorable face-offs took place in the quarter-finals of the 2017 China Open. Ultimately, Nadal emerged victorious, securing a 6-4, 7-6(0) win. Isner reminisced about this tournament, revealing that he had practiced with Nadal in Beijing at the Spaniard’s invitation.
The invitation, according to Isner, seemed strategic. The American player speculated that Nadal invited him to practice to understand his game and tactics better, anticipating their potential quarter-final clash. He recalled the intensity of these practice sessions, where Nadal’s aggressive style of play was on full display.
Isner said, “Rafa did that to me in Beijing. If it all worked out, we would’ve played each other at the quarter-finals.” He added, “My coach said, ‘Rafa wants to practise with you so I set it up,’ and I’m like, ‘Okay…’ Horrible to practice with, he hits the ball so hard and he hits winners and it’s Rafa, so you don’t say anything, right? Let him go on.”
Isner’s narrative resonated with Australian tennis player and 2022 Wimbledon finalist, Nick Kyrgios, who voiced his agreement on Instagram. Kyrgios confirmed the intensity of Nadal’s practice sessions, describing them as “horrendous.” He echoed Isner’s sentiments, saying, “Can confirm, crushed the ball in practice, horrendous.”
In the 2017 China Open, Nadal demonstrated his prowess not only in practice but also in the tournament, winning the title and defeating Kyrgios 6-2, 6-1 in the final round. The Spaniard retired from professional tennis in November 2024, leaving behind a remarkable 23-year career that left an indelible mark on the sport.