After a couple of seasons of hanging around with the best players in the world, big server John Isner finally got his long awaited time to shine. Playing in front of a partisan crowd at Indian Wells, the American delivered a stellar performance to succumb world number 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic and qualify for his first ATP Masters 1000 final. Independent on the result of Sunday's big finale, Isner achieved another career milestone. On Monday, when the next rankings will be released, he is guaranteed to crack the top 10 for the first time. Additionally, if he wins the title, he will become the best ranked American, replacing compatriot Mardy Fish as the new number 8.
Although he started the semifinal in the worst possible manner, losing serve early on, Isner found the strength to come back. The moment steering the rejuvenation occurred in the fifth game when his killer serve dug him out of big trouble. He hold to minimize the damage and continued to put pressure on the Serb, who eventually crumbled, failing to serve out the set at 5-4. Isner did great in taking his chances at the first time of asking and, with momentum on his side, he eventually closed the opener 9-7 in the tiebreak. Novak found something special in the second set, breaking John's blistering serves to level the match at one set all. The decider was an extremely tight affair, both player holding serve, despite the fact that the American had a match point on Djokovic's serve at 6-5. Nevertheless, Isner couldn't be denied. Unleashing some fierce serves, he proved the tougher of the pair in the tiebreak, winning it 7 points to 5.
Although he started the semifinal in the worst possible manner, losing serve early on, Isner found the strength to come back. The moment steering the rejuvenation occurred in the fifth game when his killer serve dug him out of big trouble. He hold to minimize the damage and continued to put pressure on the Serb, who eventually crumbled, failing to serve out the set at 5-4. Isner did great in taking his chances at the first time of asking and, with momentum on his side, he eventually closed the opener 9-7 in the tiebreak. Novak found something special in the second set, breaking John's blistering serves to level the match at one set all. The decider was an extremely tight affair, both player holding serve, despite the fact that the American had a match point on Djokovic's serve at 6-5. Nevertheless, Isner couldn't be denied. Unleashing some fierce serves, he proved the tougher of the pair in the tiebreak, winning it 7 points to 5.
As his quest for the first Masters trophy continues, he goes on face Roger Federer in today's final. Even though he defeated the Swiss in their last meeting, i.e. a surprise four sets victory in the Davis Cup tie, Federer is expected to be a very hard nut to crack this time. However, as he proved against Djokovic, Isner is not someone who can be easily written off.
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| Isner recorded his best career win as he took out world number 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6,3-6,7-6 in the semifinals at Indian Wells. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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