Sports · Tennis · 20 hrs ago
John Isner says men’s tennis was tougher in 2012 than in 2026
Former American player John Isner says men’s tennis was tougher in 2012 than it is in 2026.
He made the comparison on a podcast, pointing to the strength of the players competing for places at the ATP Finals, the year-end event for the top eight.
In 2012, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray were all near their best.
Isner also singled out David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro as difficult rivals just below them.
He says that left only about two places for other players to reach the Finals, while the current field appears to offer more openings.
Isner qualified for the event only once, in 2018.
The comparison is a matter of opinion, and the 2026 qualifying race is still under way.
John Isner said men’s tennis was tougher in 2012 than in 2026, citing the strength of players ranked behind the top four.
He pointed to David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro as especially difficult opponents.
Isner said there seemed to be only two places available for other players at the ATP Finals in 2012, compared with five in 2026.
Sam Querrey agreed that the current leading players leave five places open.
The comparison is subjective, and the article notes that several players could make their ATP Finals debuts in 2026.
- Who
- John Isner, a former world No. 14, compared the depth of men’s tennis across the two years.
- What
- He said the men’s game was tougher in 2012 than in 2026, particularly beyond the top four.
- When
- Isner made the comments on an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, reported on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- He said strong players such as David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro made it difficult to qualify for the ATP Finals.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
it’s ridiculous how tough that was
Whereas now, it seems like there are five spots available.
Agreed, [Jannik] Sinner, [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Alexander] Zverev, then five spots basically
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal were among the players who qualified for the ATP Finals.
Tennis Head reported Isner’s comparison of men’s tennis in 2012 and 2026.
The article’s live ATP Race to Turin list showed Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the top three.
- Isner’s 2012 ranking
- 14th in the world
- 2012 ATP Finals qualifiers
- David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin del Potro ranked fifth, sixth and seventh
- Isner’s ATP Finals appearances
- Qualified once, in 2018
- 2026 ATP Finals places
- Isner said five places appeared available beyond the leading three
- 2026 potential ATP Finals debutants
- Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fils
Sources
Related news
Zheng Qinwen wins China Open for first title in two years
Arthur Gea beats Ben Shelton in straight sets at Shanghai Masters
Mouratoglou praises Alcaraz’s resilience after Tokyo title
Djokovic loses to Hurkacz in Shanghai three days after Beijing title
Djokovic remains in contention for ATP Finals after Shanghai loss
Alcaraz beats Cerundolo in Shanghai after debuting team moustache pact
Mertens beats Swiatek to reach China Open semifinals
Zheng Qinwen reaches China Open final against Mirra Andreeva
Jimmy Connors says off-court distractions may be affecting Sabalenka
Alex Eala to face Han Shi in Wuhan Open first round
Readers back Alcaraz to win his first Shanghai Masters title
