With fans pulling for his French opponent, top-seeded American man Isner wins at US Open

NEW YORK, N.Y. – John Isner heard U.S. Open fans surprisingly supporting his French opponent, Gael Monfils. Isner, the highest-ranked American man, felt pain in his upper right leg. And, maybe worst of all, Isner saw his lead slipping away.

Overcoming it all, the 13th-seeded Isner held on to beat the 39th-ranked Monfils 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4) Thursday night to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows for the fifth consecutive year.

From late in the third set, spectators at Louis Armstrong Stadium occasionally chanted “Let’s go, Monfils!” or loudly sang his last name during breaks between points. They rose to their feet and raucously applauded Monfils’ best shots. They applauded faults and other errors by Isner.

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