During his semifinal match against Gael Monfils at Legg Mason, one of John Isner’s massive serves hit a woman in the crowd. She was given ice and led off the court, and reportedly will be ok, but as you can see from John’s reaction, it looked really, really bad at the time.

Mariya from Talk About Tennis asked Isner about the incident after the match. I can only imagine how bad he must have felt, though he is right, if you are going to sit on the baseline, you have to be careful and watch out for incoming tennis balls. Not that I think I could have dodged at +120 MPH serve, but I would also never sit there.

(Videos via Racquet Required)

I got the first question at Monfils’ presser, and he gave a great answer. So naturally it was the first time this week that my camera decided it did not want to cooperate. Here is what I asked and what Gael said about Isner:

RR: Gael, you and John showed great sportsmanship throughout the match and you had a special moment at the net. Can you describe your relationship with John?

Monfils: I have a lot of respect for John, I think he is a great player, and he has great mentality, and yeah you know it is always for me a pleasure to play against him and you know I think with year and year we become good friend on tour and always when I play him I think he is a good spirit and we trust each other.

Love how those two respect each other, and they watched Shark Week together during the rain delay?! I’m sorry, that is really kind of adorable.

We actually were not sure that Gael was going to do full press because the match ended so late. It was almost 2am. I definitely did not think that Isner would come in for a press conference, so we were all a bit surprised when they announced he was there for press.

Isner looked completely exhausted but he did not seem that bummed about losing. Not sure if he was too tired to express his disappointment, or if he felt ok about the loss because he played a really good match.

Glad someone asked about the condition of the woman who got hit in the eye with one of John’s serves. I also heard later that she is ok, but is going to have one hell of a shiner.

Note to self, never sit in those seats when John is serving. I have no desire to test my reaction time to avoid a shot in the face…

(Video via Racquet Required)

As I was headed back to the media center after the Stepanek / Young match, look who I happened to see on the practice courts? Sacrebleu! It was Isner! I do not think I even whipped out my camera that fast…you know, to document how he was looking on court before his semifinal match against Monfils.

Intense observation was absolutely necessary. Perfecting his volley technique, perchance?

Lots of girls came rushing into the stands when they realized who was practicing. Somehow, I don’t think John minded that one bit.

Isner was actually lucky to get his practice in before the rain. CB was giving him all positive feedback. Let’s see if that tactic works.

Check out more pics from John’s practice on the facebook page.

(Pics & video via Racquet Required)