John Isner Unleashes Fury Over Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

In a world where retired athletes usually fade into quiet lives of golf and family time, former tennis star John Isner just served an ace of pure, unfiltered rage that has the internet buzzing. The man famous for the longest match in tennis history didn’t mince words following the shocking public assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Isner, who hung up his racket in 2023 but still co-hosts the Nothing Major podcast, took to social media with a message that was less of a lob and more of a 140-mph verbal fastball aimed squarely at anyone not horrified by the event.

Reacting to the news of Kirk being shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, Isner didn’t hold back. “If you’re not sick to your stomach with what happened in Utah today then you’re seriously f****d in the head,” he posted, cutting through the typical PR-polished athlete statements.

It’s a far cry from his usual commentary on serves and backhands, but it seems the political climate has Isner fired up.

What Has John Isner So Fired Up?

For those out of the loop, Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent ally of Donald Trump, was assassinated during his “The American Comeback” tour. While answering questions, a single shot from a distance struck him, leading to his death. The graphic nature of the incident, captured on video, sent shockwaves across the nation, and clearly, it hit a nerve with Isner.

In his post, Isner painted a picture of Kirk that his supporters would recognize: a man of principle who was attacked for his beliefs. “Charlie spoke truth. His platform was about having civil conversations with those he didn’t agree with. For that, he was shot dead,” Isner wrote. He highlighted the personal tragedy, noting Kirk was just “31 years old. Two young kids. Follower of Christ and Husband. RIP Charlie.”

This isn’t Isner’s first foray into the political arena. He’s known for being outspoken, but this raw display of emotion shows a side of the tennis giant that many haven’t seen before. It’s one thing to criticize a line call; it’s another to call out what you see as a complete moral failing in society.

Isner’s History of Speaking His Mind

Let’s be real, John Isner has never been the type to just shut up and dribble—or, in his case, shut up and serve. He’s built a reputation for being unapologetically himself, and that includes weighing in on controversial topics.

Not long ago, he called out the International Tennis Federation‘s policy banning Russian and Belarusian players from competing under their national flags. He bluntly called the decision “lame” and “ridiculous,” arguing that it was time to let the players represent their countries again. Whether you agree with him or not, you can’t say the man is afraid to share his opinion.

This latest outburst, however, feels different. It’s laced with a level of personal disgust and anger that transcends simple policy debates. It’s a gut reaction to a violent act that has left the country reeling and further divided. Isner isn’t just offering a political take; he’s expressing a deep-seated revulsion to a public execution.

The Aftermath and the Online Arena

As expected, Isner’s comments have thrown him right into the center of the political firestorm. His post has been shared thousands of times, with reactions ranging from fervent agreement to scathing criticism. Supporters are hailing him as a courageous voice of reason, while detractors are, well, doing what detractors do on the internet.

But what Isner’s reaction truly highlights is the impossibility of staying neutral in today’s hyper-politicized world. An event like Kirk’s assassination forces people to pick a side, and Isner has made it crystal clear where he stands. He’s not just a retired athlete anymore; he’s a commentator on the state of the nation, using his platform to express a raw, human reaction to a tragedy.

For a guy who spent his career in the relatively genteel world of professional tennis, Isner is proving he’s more than willing to get into the mud of American political discourse. And in this case, he came out swinging.