Familiar foes John Isner and Philipp Kohlschreiber will renew their minor rivalry on Thursday in Auckland. Yen-Hsun Lu and Steve Johnson are also looking for a place in the semifinals.
(5) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (3) John Isner
Kohlschreiber and Isner will be squaring off for the sixth time in their careers when they do battle in the quarterfinals of the Heineken Open on Thursday. Isner leads the head-to-head series 3-2, but Kohlschreiber has won each of their past two encounters in U.S. Open thrillers. The 22nd-ranked German prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2012 and 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) last summer, both during third-round action in New York.
Both Isner (2010) and Kohlschreiber (2008) are former champions of this event. The 6’10” American got a first-round bye this week then kicked off his campaign with a 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-2 win over Lukas Lacko on Wednesday. Kohlschreiber has earned victories over Pablo Carreno Busta and Horacio Zeballos. The fifth seed is bouncing back nicely from a second-round Doha loss to countryman Peter Gojowczyk. Isner looked 100 percent for the most part against Lacko, but an ankle injury at the Hopman Cup is still a minor concern. This is another good opportunity for Kohlschreiber, who has to feel right at home in Auckland with a 24-7 lifetime record at the tournament.
Pick: Kohlschreiber in 3
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(LL) Steve Johnson vs. Yen-Hsun Lu
A huge opportunity awaits Johnson and Lu on Thursday. Johnson has already capitalized on a big one this week, as he got a lucky-loser spot in the main draw after Gael Monfils withdrew. The 160th-ranked American certainly did not waste his chance, as he enjoyed the best day of his professional career on Wednesday. As officials sped up the rain-delayed event, Johnson outlasted Marcos Baghdatis in three sets then upset No. 4 seed Kevin Anderson 7-5, 6-4 a few hours later.
Lu finished his opener on Tuesday, advancing past Igor Sijsling in straight sets. Chinese Taipei’s top player then faced Bradley Klahn, who had polished off Daniel Brands earlier on Wednesday. This will be the third career meeting between Johnson and Lu. Johnson scored a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory in Cincinnati qualifying last summer before Lu cruised 6-3, 6-2 one week later in Winston-Salem. A slight edge may go to Lu since Johnson is coming off a grueling one-day mental and physical effort.
Pick: Lu in 3
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I’m taking both the Americans. Isner’s ankle sounds like it’s ok, and Johnson maybe on a roll.
Isner over Kohlschreiber 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(5). No breaks of serve.