Three-time Atlanta champion John Isner is looking to win his fourth consecutive title in Atlanta, and he took another step towards that goal on Friday night, dispatching eighth seed Taylor Fritz, 7-5, 6-4.
The world number 17 will face Reilly Opelka, another 18-year-old American, in the semifinals on Saturday evening. After his quarterfinal victory on Friday, the American number one was clearly happy with his performance and is looking forward to the semifinals, which he knows will be a challenge.
Isner happy to get the victory over Fritz
“It was a good win,” Isner said. “The first set was obviously tight. I would’ve liked to have that 5-4 game back on my serve, but I played a very good game at 5-5. I’m happy about that, certainly always frustrated about losing my serve. I knew he might have been teetering on the edge a bit, a little frustrated. His shoulder might have been hurt, but I was feeling good, healthy and strong. In the second set, I just had to keep holding serve as well as I could.”
“The seventh game [in the second set] for me was big for me to pull ahead. It happened so quickly; he was up 30-0 on serve and then I swear 45 seconds later it was 30-40. He missed an easy volley, and I played a good point at 30-40.”
After the game, Isner was able to ride that breakout and took the second set 6-4, clinching the final spot in the semifinals.
Isner opened his 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open campaign on Wednesday, defeating Adrian Mannarino of France in straight sets. Isner is feeling confident going into the semifinals as he is happy with his play this week.
“I played really well the other night too,” Isner said. “It’s encouraging for me to win matches like that, straight sets, no tiebreakers. I played a lot of tiebreakers in my career. I feel like I’m playing well from the back of the court and returning well also. Happy to be in the semis and tomorrow’s match is certainly a different matchup. I got to take my chances if and when I get them. We’ll see how it goes.”
Isner feels right at home in Atlanta
Isner, who has won ten career singles titles, has played in Atlanta ever since the tournament moved to the capital of Georgia in 2010. The American number one played his college tennis at the University of Georgia, only about an hour and a half away from Atlanta. He has never failed to reach the semifinals and thus feels very comfortable playing here.
“I said on the court that I think the main reason [I always play well in Atlanta] is I’m always comfortable here," Isner said. "I enjoy being here. Of course, I do love the surface, I like the balls. This is where I’m most comfortable. If I could play every tournament here I could be number one."
"I haven’t missed this tournament since it’s been in Atlanta," he continued. "I knew when it first came here that it could be a great opportunity for me, and it has been. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve been happy to be in it here and be in the semis in 2016, and I’m sure I’ll be back next year as well.”
By playing in Atlanta this week, Isner is missing the 2016 Olympics in Rio. While many athletes cherish the chance to represent their countries, Isner said he had no regrets about skipping the games, citing his frustrating over the lack of any ranking points.
“Being on the player counsel, we had some sort of say on that [ranking points]," Isner said. "I fought for ranking points for the Olympics, but it didn’t happen. All in all, to be dead honest, I know it’s the Olympics, but I’m happy to be in Atlanta right now. I’m sure that all my compadres that did the opening ceremonies, I’m sure that’s very cool but I’m happy to be in Atlanta.”
Isner prepared for tough semifinal against Opelka
At six-foot 10, the 31-year-old American is almost always the tallest player on the court, yet in this semifinal, it appears that he will not be. Opelka is listed at six-foot 11, but Isner is not quite ready to cede his height title.
“We’ll see if he’s taller," Isner joked. "I do know him really well. He’s had a great run. I’m certainly going to try to end it, but it’s going to be very tough. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. Of course, he reminds me of myself quite a bit. At 18, he’s far more advanced with his game now than where I was at 18, so his future is really bright.”
Isner faces Opelka at 7:00 PM local time on Saturday in Atlanta. The two have never faced off before.