Former ATP Pro Slams John Isner Over ‘Ridiculous’ Russian Flag Request: “I Would Like to Invite You to Ukraine”

Former World No. 8 John Isner thinks the tennis governing bodies should lift the ban on Russian flags.

Former ATP Pro Slams John Isner Over ‘Ridiculous’ Russian Flag Request: “I Would Like to Invite You to Ukraine”

John Isner (Image via X/ATP Tour)

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A few days ago, American former tennis player John Isner sparked controversy with a comment involving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He took to X and called the banning of the Russian flags in tennis ridiculous.

His comments came during the men’s final at the Canadian Open. America’s Ben Shelton beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov to lift the biggest title of his career.

Isner, on X, suggested that the tennis governing bodies should lift the ban on Russian flags. As expected, the comment went viral and received mixed reactions. Those supporting his views said sports should never mix with politics, that players should not face the consequences of their government’s actions.

But some of the critics of Isner said the players from Russia and Belarus should be stopped from competing altogether until the war stops. Former ATP Pro, Sergiy Stakhovsky, noticed the tweet and took to his Instagram story, asking Isner to spend some time in Ukraine and then share his thoughts about the flag situation.

Dear John Isner, I would like to invite you to Ukraine. After a week here, you can tell me for yourself whether you think the athletes deserve to have their flag back or not. None of the players you are defending has expressed regret or even condemned the invasion of Ukraine.

Sergiy Stakhovsky's Instagram story (2)
Sergiy Stakhovsky’s Instagram story

Stakhovsky, a former World No.31, called time on his career in January 2022. When a month later, Russia invaded Ukraine, the 39-year-old joined the Ukrainian Army and was also a part of the army in the Battle of Bakhmut.

Perhaps this will refresh your memory. Besides, the images you will see took place in our country last week.

Sergiy Stakhovsky added
Sergiy Stakhovsky's Instagram story - Copy
Sergiy Stakhovsky’s Instagram story

Stakhovsky retired after lifting four singles and the same number of doubles titles. He has never progressed beyond the third round of the Grand Slam singles event.

John Isner thinks Novak Djokovic will not announce his retirement

Novak Djokovic was last seen in action at Wimbledon, where he, for the first time since 2017, failed to reach the final. He was scheduled to play the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, but he withdrew from both.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Punto de Break)

Djokovic, at present, is just a shadow of his former self. Only in Grand Slam events is he playing to his full potential, but his defeat to the two youngsters, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, has become a common scene in Majors. Apart from these players, Djokovic is also exiting due to injury issues.

What he wishes the most is his 25th Grand Slam title. He also wants to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to double his gold medal tally after winning at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But after Grand Slam exits, Djokovic also expressed the uncertainty over prolonging his career.

The tennis world often discusses when the Serb will hang up his racket. John Isner, during the Nothing Major podcast, thinks the 38-year-old, like his longtime rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, won’t be announcing his retirement beforehand.

I think you’re right. I guess when you know, you know. He might just reach that point where he wakes up one morning and it’s like, man, I have had enough. Hopefully, that is four years from now.

Djokovic has lifted just the Geneva Open this year and also reached the Miami Open final, where Jakub Mensik defeated him in straight sets. The 24-time Grand Slam champion also played the semifinals of the first three Majors.

In Melbourne, an injury forced him to give the walkover to Alexander Zverev after losing the first set. At the French Open and Wimbledon, Sinner knocked him out in straight sets.

Also read: Daniil Medvedev Warns Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner About the Rise of “a Third Candidate”