The American no.2 had a good semis against Juan Monaco. Last year John lost to Pico in the final and it was time for the American to avenge that.
The Argentine started in great fashion to win the opening set 6-1. Then Isner fought back to win the 2nd and 3rd set 6-4. The American was particularly effective in converting the only 2 break points conceded by Pico in the last two sets. Eventually John won the match even if he was short of 1 game (13-14) and 4 points (86-90)
From Isner
“Even though I got creamed in that first set, I felt I was playing pretty well. My serve wasn’t really on,” said Isner. “But I was making a lot of returns and so I told myself I was in the match. I just had to try and find a way to break through on his serve. I served smart, got myself out of [some] jams the rest of the match. It was a tight one all the way to the end.”
The final vs. Almagro
Isner will play Almagro in the final that had a much easier life against a surprising Rhyne Williams from Tennessee. The world no.144 lost to the Spaniard 6-2 6-1 in less than 1 hour.
“I think I played better than yesterday. I felt good today,” said Almagro. “I’m very happy with my game. I tried to be focused all the time. That’s important for me. I tried to play aggressive and I did it.”
Head to head is 2-0 for Almagro
