"John Isner a legend? Life is so easy when you're a white American man" - Fans baffled by Isner's 'legend' status in Wimbledon commentary announcement

John Isner being billed as a 'tennis legend' in the press release announcing his role as a commentator for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships has baffled tennis fans. The American will join Nick Kyrgios in providing commentary for ESPN during the grasscourt Major.

Isner is making the switch to commentary after retiring from professional tennis at the 2023 US Open. The 39-year-old won 16 tour-level titles over the course of his career and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 8. His best result at a Major took place at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, where he suffered a narrow five-set loss to Kevin Anderson in the semifinals.

The American's final Wimbledon appearance in 2023 ended in a first-round loss to Jaume Munar. He will make his return to SW19 as a commentator, covering the first week of the grasscourt Major alongside Nick Kyrgios, who will be in the booth for both weeks.

ESPN announced John Isner's role in a press release, referring to him as a "tennis legend" and highlighting his participation in the two longest matches in Wimbledon history. Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim shared a glimpse of the press release on social media.

Fans objected to the American being billed as a "tennis legend," with one even suggesting that it was "disrespectful" to the real legends of the sport.

"In which world is John Isner a tennis legend? Life is just so easy when you are a white American man," one fan commented.

"If Isner is considered a legend then the bar is on the ground. He's a really good player. Legend? No," another fan chimed in.

"That is actually disrespectful to the word legend and to the actual legends of the game," said another.

Fans continued to air their grievances about John Isner's 'legend' status.

"Is Isner a legend for being tall or for it taking him like 70 tries to break the 148th ranked player," a fan wrote.

"One legendary match at Wimbledon is not the same as tennis legend. 🙄," another fan commented.

Others, meanwhile, expressed their disappointment with ESPN's commentary lineup as a whole.

"Good lord. As if the espn team isn’t insufferable enough. Who is doing the casting over there?? 🤮 Love when people fail up," one fan posted.

"ESPN just can't get it right," another fan wrote.

"ESPN is in a race to the bottom 💀," said yet another.

John Isner competed in the two longest matches in Wimbledon history

John Isner at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships (Source: Getty)

John Isner's legacy at the Wimbledon Championships is marked by his involvement in the two longest matches in the history of the grasscourt Major, the first of which took place in 2010.

That year, the American squared off against Nicholas Mahut in the first round, with the duo setting the record for the longest match in tennis history. Their closely contested encounter, which lasted over 11 hours after being played out over three days, eventually ended with Isner claiming a 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68 victory.

The 39-year-old also took part in the second longest match in Wimbledon history during his semifinal clash against Kevin Anderson at the 2018 edition of the Major. John Isner, who was attempting to reach his maiden Grand Slam final, suffered a narrow 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24 loss after a 6-hour and 36-minute battle.