The last six players remaining in the bottom half of the Atlanta draw were all American. Now there are four–including John Isner and Jenson Brooksby, who will square off on Friday. Another quarterfinal pits Alex de Minaur against Adrian Mannarino.
(6) Jenson Brooksby vs. (2) John Isner
Competitive matches decided by just one or two points are nothing new for Isner, especially at the Atlanta Open. Although the 37-year-old American has been dominant at this event in terms of titles (six wins in 11 appearances), it hasn’t been easy. Isner’s 7-6(8), 4-6, 7-6(3) victory over Ben Shelton on Thursday night marked his eighth opening match out of 12 that has required a third set. The world No. 25 battled through it to make his lifetime record in Atlanta 37-5.
Up next for Isner on Friday is another first-time meeting and another younger American opponent. Brooksby has made an extremely routine start to his Atlanta debut, beating Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-1 and Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-4. The 21-year-old had been just 3-6 in his last nine matches prior to arriving in Atlanta, so this is a much-needed result for him. Brooksby’s unusual game style will undoubtedly frustrate Isner at times, but conditions in Atlanta–fast and high bouncing–are perfect for the veteran and he should continue his winning ways at this tournament.
Pick: Isner in 3
(3) Alex de Minaur vs. (LL) Adrian Mannarino
De Minaur triumphed in his most recent previous trip to Atlanta (2019), rolling to the title without facing a single break point the entire way. The 30th-ranked Australian finally got broken once by compatriot James Duckworth on Thursday night, but Atlanta’s No. 3 seed still cruised 6-4, 6-4.
In the quarterfinals De Minaur will face Mannarino for the third time–and second time this summer. They just collided on the grass courts of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where Mannarino prevailed 6-2, 6-3. The 78th-ranked Frenchman lost to Taro Daniel in qualifying last weekend, but he has made the most of a lucky-loser spot by defeating qualifier Peter Gojowyczk and wild card Andres Martin. This is where Mannarino’s incredibly favorable draw comes to an end, and the ‘s-Hertogenbosch result should not be too alarming since the left-hander is a borderline grass-court specialist. De Minaur will likely have far more success in this setting and take a 2-1 lead over Mannarino in the head-to-head series.
Pick: De Minaur in 2
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Big dawg in 2; Demon in 3.