American John Isner exited Wimbledon at the first stage this evening courtesy of a 4-6 7-6 6-3 6-7 5-7 loss to Alejandro Falla.
The Colombian pro took charge in the opening set and managed to execute a number of forehand shots and powerful serves to push through and claim a one-set lead.
Despite a positive start for Falla, Isner began to find his feet and forced through a tie-break in the second set, which he managed to clinch 9-7.
After drawing level on sets, the American was buoyed by his comeback and took control of the encounter, using his powerful serve to record a 6-3 success.
However, Falla responded with a string of positive service games to force a second tie-breaker in the fourth set. On this occasions Falla was the 9-7 winner.
With the scores level at five games apiece in the deciding set, it looked as though the two players would have to return tomorrow to finish the encounter.
Falla had other ideas though and he claimed a decisive break, before holding his service game to seal his passage through to round two.
Danielle Joynson
