TORONTO — In early March, when John Isner was staggering through some of the worst results of his career, Justin Gimelstob invited him to Los Angeles for a much-needed cram session.
Isner had won only two matches in the first two months of the season, yet somehow Gimelstob — the television broadcaster, former professional player and a member of Isner’s three-man coaching staff — was bubbling with confidence.
He consulted David Macpherson and Rene Moller, Isner’s two other coaches, and there was consensus on what was needed. Then, in something akin to a team sport’s mini camp, Gimelstob drilled Isner on specific elements of his game, and over the course of the four days, the coach became very encouraged.