John Isner: Andy Murray is an inspiration to me, other players

John Isner says he played his best tennis of the season at the Paris Masters this past week.

The American reached the final before falling in three sets to new world No. 1 Andy Murray.

The run has put Isner back in the Top 20—he’s No. 19—and he’ll finish the season as the top-ranked American. World No. 23 Jack Sock, who was previously the top-ranked American, was defeated in the quarterfinals in Paris.

“It's been a good week," Isner said. "I played my best tennis of the season here."

The 31-year-old said he enjoyed the indoor conditions at the tournament. He also praised Murray's achievement—not just winning the event, but also reaching No. 1 for the first time.

"It's a big source of inspiration for me and other players," Isner told French reporters. "It's been a long time for him to get to the top, but everyone knows what hard work he does. His next goal will be to stay there a long time.

"In another era, he definitely would've won more Slams. But he's going to have more opportunities to win big tournaments."

Isner has been ranked as high as No. 9 in his career.