John Isner throws out honorary first pitch at Citi Field for Subway Series
Fifteen years after winning the longest match in Wimbledon history, Isner was in the Big Apple to celebrate "The Hill in New York."
Take him out to the ballgame! Two summers ago, John Isner bid farewell to professional tennis when he retired following the 2023 US Open, but the former Top 10 player was back in Queens over the weekend to celebrate tennis with the tournament's neighbors in Flushing: the New York Mets.
Fifteen years after winning the longest match in Wimbledon history, and seven years after he played Kevin Anderson in the second-longest match even at the tournament in the semifinals, Isner was in town to celebrate "The Hill in New York," an activation that brings the spirit of SW19 to the Big Apple.
Read more: 'The Hill in New York' returns to Brooklyn, bringing Wimbledon spirit to NYC
Wearing Wimbledon swag including a cap and varsity jacket, Isner cut a cool figure at the ballpark as he was invited to throw out the honorary first pitch, telling reporters that he wasn't nervous for the ceremonial honor. He met with Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor, posed for photos with retired basketball player Jason Collins and Mets co-owner Alex Cohen, and was even presented a custom "City Connect" jersey by the team, an alternate gray uniform with purple accents that celebrates both New York's grittiness, and the iconic 7 train, the subway line that takes fans to Flushing.
Known for his booming serve when he was active on tour that once topped out at 157 mph, Isner opted not for heat, but for a curveball after he was introduced on the pitcher's mound. He threw a perfect strike to Mets reliever Rico Garcia, and celebrated with a muted fist-pump.
The fourth edition of the activation, scheduled to take place in Brooklyn Bridge Park during championship weekend beginning Friday, brings Wimbledon's famous "tennis in an English garden" vibe to the city that never sleeps.
Fans can watch the culmination of the fortnight on big screens for free, enjoy strawberries and cream, and purchase Wimbledon merchandise. The weekend will kick off officially with a free concert by British singer Rita Ora.