We have a fantastic final in DC where American no.1 John Isner will face seed no.2 Kei Nishikori.
Isner
John had a rough ride to the final especially in his last match against fellow compatriot Steve Johnson. Isner managed to win the match 6-3 3-6 7-6 (9) after saving 3 match points.
The American commented “It was incredible. With this atmosphere, playing under the lights, perfect conditions with no wind, it wasn’t hot and the crowd was into it.
I’ve been in this situation before. I tried to take care of my serve and put the pressure on him. I didn’t do it that well because I was playing from behind for the most part, but I didn’t get too rattled and believed in myself. I had the wins coming into this match and it goes a long way. It’s not a tangible thing, but confidence is huge.”
Nishikori
Kei had his (little) revenge against Cilic in the semifinal. The Japanese lost to the Croatian in last year’s US Open final and he wanted to avenge that. After a slow start, Kei found his way to win the match 3-6 6-1 6-4.
The Japanese commented “It was really tough, because he was playing really good tennis in the beginning. In the first set he started well. I tried to be more aggressive and change mentally a little bit. I was up 4-3 and he came back. I had to concentrate again, but I played some good tennis too so it was a great win for me.
I think overall I was playing well. The last two sets I was very happy with my tennis. It’s a good to win against a Top 10 player and especially after our battle at the US Open. I hope I can keep going tomorrow.”
Head to head
Head to head is 1-0 for Isner that has defeated Nishikori this year in Miami with a straight 6-4 6-3. Time for Kei to avenge another loss?
| READY FOR THE KILL? |
