John Isner admits to good fortune

John Isner has admitted that he was "fortunate" to progress past Xavier Malisse at the US Open last night.

Belgium's Malisse, who was visibly angered by a number of calls made by the line judges throughout the four-set contest, made it difficult for the American who was appearing in front of a home crowd.

"I knew the match today was going to be tough," Isner told reporters. "A lot of people are projecting me to go far here, but I wasn't looking past this match.

"As you guys could see, I had my hands full. He doesn't mind playing me. He's played me well in the past and he did it again today. Got to a certain point there where it was anyone's match.

"I just got pretty fortunate at the end. I'm happy to move on."

Up next for the 27-year-old is a match against Jarko Nieminen.