"The fans called Isner by one of his nicknames, Marathon Man, which seemed fitting even while his first-round match at the United States Open lasted fewer than two hours. Isner advanced to the second round by dispatching Frederico Gil of Portugal, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Afterward, Isner answered the predictable gamut of questions about the match he won at Wimbledon, which at five crazy sets and more than 11 ridiculous hours was the longest in professional tennis history. Isner acknowledged Wednesday that that match had worn on him physically, mentally and emotionally — more than he expected." - Christopher Chung

"A second M.R.I. cleared Isner for New York. “It wasn’t torn,” he said. “It was everything but torn.” Medical clearance came with a downside, with another round of questions about Wimbledon, another uptick in curiosity, perhaps the most thorough examination of the lengthy match Isner called “stupid” at a recent tournament. Isner flew to New York, arriving Monday. The first person he bumped into in the locker room? Nicolas Mahut, his marathon opponent. They exchanged handshakes and high-fives and talked for five minutes about how their lives had changed since that match in late June had changed everything." - Christopher Chung