John Isner used to be best known for his height, which is not surprising, given he stands at 6-foot-9.
Things changed with his record setting 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68 win over Nicolas Mahut in the first round at Wimbledon.
But Isner should be know for far more than that. A former NCAA team champion at the University of Georgia, Isner’s enjoyed great success as a pro, especially in this, his breakout season.
After opening 2010 with his first career title in Auckland, Isner has since reached finals in Memphis, Belgrade and Atlanta, which has helped propel him into the Top 20.
Isner will begin his fourth appearance in Cincinnati on Tuesday when he faces Lukasz Kubot in the night session at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.
Two Americans who have reached the finals at this event will be part of the very busy schedule during the day on Tuesday.
James Blake, the 2007 Cincinnati finalist, will lead off the day on Center Court when he faces qualifier Denis Istomin. The 2003 finalist Mardy Fish will follow when plays Gilles Simon.
The Grandstand court schedule for Tuesday is particularly strong. The French lead the way early in the day, with Gael Monfils playing Alejandro Falla followed by Richard Gasquet against No. 12 seed Mikhail Youzhny.
Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis will play his Round of 32 match, followed by former Wimbledon and US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt.
The 7 p.m. match on Grandstand figures to be one of the best of the day, if not the entire first round. David Nalbandian, the winner of 11 of his last 12 matches, will play No. 15 seed Ivan Ljubcic.
Plenty of action will be taking place on the north end of the Lindner Family Tennis Center as well.
Court 3 will host, among others, Ernests Gublis against Donald Young. Also on the court will be an all-French battle between Michael Llodra and Julien Bennetea, who last week teamed up to reach the doubles final in Toronto.
The doubles teams will also be in action on Tuesday. The 2010 Wimbledon finalists Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau will take on Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman on Court 4 Tuesday afternoon.