Arkansas cutting tennis programs prompts backlash from former pro John Isner

While he did not attend the University of Arkansas, former professional tennis player John Isner shared his candid thoughts on Razorbacks cutting their tennis programs.

The former Georgia tennis star took to X (formerly Twitter) to signal his disappointment about an SEC program cutting its tennis program, as Arkansas announced the move earlier in the day on Friday, April 24, at the conclusion of the 2026 spring season.

Isner blamed NIL.

REQUIRED READING: University of Arkansas will discontinue men's and women's tennis programs

"The post NIL college landscape is out of control," Isner wrote. "Flat out ruining college sports and now a very proud men’s and women’s program is being cut altogether because of all this BS. This is a travesty.

"Never thought I’d see the day where an SEC school eliminated tennis."

According to the Southwest Times Record — part of the USA TODAY Network — the decision was made from a recommendation from Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek and was approved by Chancellor Charles Robinson.

Despite the move, any current tennis athletes will have their scholarship with the Razorbacks honored through the completion of their current degree program, if they choose to remain at Arkansas. A press release from the school cited resources available to allocate to tennis as the reason for the cut.

"After considerable reflection and thoughtful discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” Yurachek said. “We understand the disappointment and emotion this news will bring to many. The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, requiring us to make challenging choices as we balance competitive opportunities, resources and the long-term sustainability of our department."

With the subtraction of tennis, the university will support 17 sports moving forward, with 10 of them being women's sports and seven for men's.

Isner played college tennis at Georgia before turning pro in 2007. He reached a career high ranking of No. 8 on the ATP in 2018. He also made history by playing the longest tennis match in Grand Slam history. Isner retired professionally in 2023.