Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer scare Miami Open champion John Isner
JOHN ISNER says he the odds are stacked against him as he attempts to defend his Miami Open title against the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
World No 1 Djokovic enters the tournament as the favourite, despite suffering a shock early exit at Indian Wells last week.
Meanwhile, Federer will be looking to bounce back from his Indian Wells final defeat to Dominic Thiem.
Isner beat Alexander Zverev to claim the Miami Open title last year.
But he is not confident of defending it against such tennis heavyweights.
"I do know that, look, odds are, I probably won't defend this title," Isner said.
"At the same time, it is cool coming back as the defending champion of a tournament of this magnitude.
“Never been in this situation before. Just looking forward to it. No pressure.
“I don't look at it as, 'Oh, I'm going to lose a bunch of points.' You can't look at it like that. It's just another tournament you want to do well in."
Big-serving Isner is plotting to play aggressive and blast his way to the latter rounds in his homeland.
“If I'm doubting myself and not pulling the trigger I have to keep telling myself that the only way to play is to go big,” the American added.
“I’d rather lose a point by hitting an aggressive error than losing a 12-ball rally.
“I’ve got to keep going after my shots and since Australia I’ve been doing a pretty good job at that. Eventually I know it will click.”
The Miami Open has moved venues to the Hard Rock Stadium this year and Isner is looking forward hopefully playing in the NFL stadium.
“Being here for the first time is really cool and unique.” he said.
“As the defending champ it does have a different feel to it because it’s a completely different venue.
“At the same time I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot with my game, better than I was last year coming into this.”