Categories: ATPTop Story

Isner wins Atlanta for sixth time

American John Isner fired off 21 aces to defeat teenager Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (10/8), 7-5 in an all-American ATP Atlanta final on Sunday.

It was Isner’s 16th career ATP title and he joined Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to win an event six times as an active player.

“I can’t believe I’ve won this tournament six times. We’ll see if I can do it seven times next year,” Isner, 36, said.

“Today I was just a little bit luckier. That’s what it came down to.”

Nakashima, 19, beat Isner in a semi-final last week in Mexico in their only other meeting.

“I’m twice your age, dude,” Isner told Nakashima. “I don’t know how many times we’ll get to play but it was very special to me.”

Nakashima had Isner in trouble a number of times in the first set, using his second serve to great effect.

He earned a set point at 6-5, but the Isner clawed his way back with short forehand. Then Isner faced another set point at 6/7 in the tie-break, but low forehand volley got him out of trouble before ehe eventually took out the set.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match. He serves well and this court rewards a good first-serve percentage,” Isner said.

“He easily could have won the first set. I easily could have won 6-4 in the second… then I was able to save some break points at 5-5, which was crucial.

“I was also feeling really tired at that point, but luckily I was able to get over the line.”

Photo: Truist Atlanta Open/Alex Smith

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

Halep seething over Swiatek wrist-slap doping penalty

Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…

3 weeks ago

Nadal goes down in final match

Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…

1 month ago

Sinner flattens de Minaur in runaway home start

Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…

1 month ago

Madcap Medvedev suffers temperamental Turin Finals loss

Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…

1 month ago

Team Sinner considering skipping Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…

1 month ago

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

2 months ago