Isner’s ace barrage make mockery of slow clay

Paris: Giant American John Isner slammed down 38 aces on his way a second-round defeat of Swiss Marco Chiudinelli at the French Open on Thursday. The wet weather in Paris did not dampen the 17th seed’s power and his big weapon was working a treat as he moved through to the third round where he now takes aim at Czech Tomas Berdych on Friday. He just hopes his serving shoulder stays loose. “Feels good,” Isner, who had never previously won a round at the French Open, told reporters after his 6-7 7-6 7-6 6-4 victory. “I’ll do the necessary things to take care of it and be ready to go if I get on court tomorrow.” Fellow American Andy Roddick, another fearsome server, said the slow courts had hampered his deliver during his victory against Blaz Kavcic, but Isner had no problems getting his bombs to cut through the red dirt.“Believe it or not, everyone was talking about how slow the courts were playing,” added Isner who bounces the ball between his legs, basketball style, before launching into his serves, added. “I felt like my court stayed fairly fast. “What also helped me was he stood up a bit in the court instead of standing way back. As long as I kind of hit my spot, it was a good chance it would be an ace.” Isner still has some way to go if he is to break the Roland Garros record for aces in a single match. That mark is held by Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic who thundered down 55 here last year against despite losing to Lleyton Hewitt. Bureau Report