Kohlschreiber lines up to equal Grand Slam best

Originally published on 01/09/14

The German No.1 made it to the last eight at Wimbledon in 2012. On Saturday, in his third round match, the 30-year-old defeated John Isner 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3 in a match that lasted three hours and 9 minutes. Curiously Kohlschreiber and Isner have played one another three times in the third round at the US Open. Despite being the lower-ranked player on each occasion, Kohlschreiber won all three encounters.

"It's a little bit crazy to play three years in a row in the same round," admitted Kohlschreiber who edged a tight match winning three tiebreak sets.  

“I wasn’t so nervous somehow," he said. "Normally you get a little bit stressed when it comes to a tiebreak and you know there are not many chances.” I think the first tiebreak was very solid from my side, but in the third set, second tiebreak, he (Isner) was helping me a lot. I think he double-faulted twice.”

In what must feel like déjà vu, Kohlschreiber knows that last year he defeated Isner and then faced world No.1 Rafael Nadal. This time it is world No.1 Novak Djokovic he will have to beat to advance to the quarter-finals.

“It's great to still be in the tournament, playing on the big courts," he said. "I really enjoy it. Well, he's the guy to beat in this tournament. I'll try to give my best shot. We’ve had a couple good practices together. I know if I play my best I have a good shot”.

Kohlschreiber has been a consistent player at Grand Slams during his career; he had contested 37 consecutive majors until he missed the Australian Open with an ankle injury earlier this year. He was also Andy Murray’s opponent in the third round at Roland Garros when the German was defeated 12-10 in the fifth set, in a match that lasted four hours and 7 minutes. It has been a good year for the German No.1; he won the title at Dusseldorf when he beat big serving Ivo Karlovic and he has reached the semi finals at Dubai, Halle and Hamburg. He is on course to finish in the Top 25 in the world for the third year running.

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