Isner confident despite tall task vs. Nadal at Italian Open

By ANDREW DAMPF
AP Sports Writer

ROME (AP) — John Isner believes in his chances against Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Italian Open. The 37-year-old American isn’t ready to retire and wants to add some fun to the back end of his career traveling the tour in Europe with his wife and three kids. But there’s serious business against Nadal on Wednesday and Isner tells The Associated Press in an interview that he thinks Nadal may be a bit lower on confidence after a recent injury layoff. Novak Djokovic won his opening match by beating Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-2. Bianca Andreescu advanced when Emma Raducani retired due to a lower back injury.