Former Georgia tennis standout John Isner advanced to the U.S. Open round of 16 with a 7-6(3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(5) win over fifth-seeded Andy Roddick on Saturday.

Isner will now face the No. 10 seed Fernando Verdasco of Spain with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.

“It was a great peformance by John,” Georgia coach Manuel Diaz said. “He was battling cramps and showed a lot of heart. It was a phenomenal win for him and it’s great to see him play so well in a grand slam event.”

Isner downed the No. 28 seed Victor Hanescu, 6-1, 7-6(14), 7-6(5), in the first round on Tuesday and beat Marsel Ilhan, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(1) on Thursday.

Isner, currently ranked No. 55 in the ATP World Rankings, won a school record 276 singles and doubles matches at Georgia and led the Bulldogs to the 2007 NCAA title. It is the first time he has advanced to the fourth round of a grand slam event.

- Georgia Sports Communications