Top US player John Isner blasted New York fans for their support of French showman Gael Monfils at the US Open, admitting it felt like he was playing in Paris and not on home ground.
Isner, the highest seeded American in the draw, defeated Monfils 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the third round in a match which finished just before midnight on Thursday on a packed Louis Armstrong Court.
But the majority of the spectators got behind the Frenchman, who served up his trademark repertoire of leaps, bounces, flashy razor-sharp groundstrokes and smiling one-liners with the crowd.
By contrast, Isner was all business, never managing more than a discreet fist-pump to accompany a winner as the crowd opted prefereed chants of "Monfils, Monfils" rather than "Isner, Isner."
"He's a fun-loving guy and an exciting guy to watch no matter where he is playing, but honestly it was a bit surprising," said Isner, the 13th seed.
"I know the New York fans. They like to see long matches and fifth sets, but I was a little disappointed. Not going to sugar-coat it. If I was playing him in France, it certainly wouldn't be like that."
He added: "I didn't want to get involved in a hit-and-giggle match. I just wanted to stay focused. I didn't want to be too friendly out there.
