American John Isner Positive About Future Despite Indian Wells Setback

American John Isner will return to the ATP World Tour Top 10 after advancing to the semi-finals in Indian Wells for the second time in three years.

Isner could not recapture the magic he had in his 2012 three-set win over Novak Djokovic. This year losing in three sets to Djokovic 5-7, 7-6(2), 1-6.

"You know, it's always disappointing when you lose, no matter the situation. You lose first round, it's disappointing; end of the tournament, it's still disappointing," Isner said after the match.

The American opened the season with his eighth career ATP title winning in Auckland and says he feels like his tennis game is getting to a good place.

"I didn't hit a ball for a full month after Australia, so, you know, it's encouraging in that I played well this week," Isner said. "I think going forward in Miami, you know, I think I'll be able to take the court feeling healthy."

In 2013, Isner finished the year as the highest ranked American for the second consecutive year. He will jump back into the Top 10 for the first time since September 2012, this time with less pressure.

"You know, I got in the top 10 and I was riding high. I played unbelievable at Davis Cup a few weeks after playing here against France. Then I made the finals of Houston that year. So everything was going well," Isner said.

"Then I went over to Europe, and, you know, I actually got to the point where I was ‑‑ in like the Madrid tournament the top 8 seeds get a bye. I was able to get a bye, but I just lost my mojo a little bit over there, and that, in turn, sort of kept me from staying inside the top 10."

Isner is now 2-3 in the semi-finals of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments. While he has yet to break through and capture a title, Isner is staying positive.

"Once you get to the semifinals you are very close, and I have been in the finals twice and lost two tight matches. I really think I'm close," Isner said.