John Isner’s career ended the way it was always going to: with a five-set tiebreaker.

The 38-year-old American, who announced he would retire following the US Open this year, lost to fellow countryman Michael Mmoh in a fifth-set tiebreak, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(7) on the Grandstand in Flushing Meadows on Thursday.

Isner, who owns the record for the most aces in ATP history as well as the longest tennis match ever with his 11-hour Wimbledon marathon against Nicolas Mahut in 2010, was overcome by emotion following the devastating loss.

The big server covered his head with his towel multiple times after the defeat and fought back tears as he conducted an on-court interview.

“This is why I’ve worked as hard as I have my whole life to be playing in atmospheres like this,” Isner said in the post-match interview. “And, of course, I may not win them all, as we know, like today, but to play in this crowd and in front of this crowd and have the support I had is pretty special. So, thank you.”

The American finishes his 17-year singles career having played a record-setting 829 tiebreaks.

Isner retires as the No. 157 seed in the world, having won 16 titles on the ATP tour.

He reached as high as the No. 8 seed in 2018, when he made his furthest push at a major tournament by advancing to the semifinals at Wimbledon.

His final career win was Tuesday’s first-round match against Argentina’s Facundo Diaz-Acosta, which he won, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (1).

Isner is still in doubles with Jack Sock, who is also retiring. The American pair play their first-round match later on Thursday.