LONDON - US No 1 John Isner admits he is becoming increasingly frustrated by his recent slump after an “ugly” defeat against Colombia’s Alejandro Falla in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday.

Big-serving Isner was expected to mount a strong run on the fast grass courts of the All England Club, but instead he blew a two sets to one lead as Falla, ranked 73rd in the world, clinched a shock 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 victory.

The 27-year-old also crashed out of the recent French Open in disappointing fashion after losing to France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu in the second round. But being beaten by Falla, despite serving 31 aces, was especially dispiriting for the world number 10, who is by all means determined to be known for more than just his victory over Nicolas Mahut in the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon in 2010.

Isner has enjoyed an impressive rise up the world rankings since that incredible 11-hour epic against Mahut, but he has no answers for his current slump, which also includes early exits from the Masters events in Madrid and Rome.

However, there was more bad news for American tennis as former world No 4 James Blake’s slide into obscurity continued with a 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-0, 6-4 defeat against Germany’s Benjamin Becker. – Nampa/AP