John Isner will take over as the top-ranked American–again–when the new ATP rankings come out next week. It’s only fitting, because Isner has been ousting fellow Americans all over the place at the Western & Southern Open.
The 2013 Cincinnati runner-up opened with a victory over Viktor Troicki and has since disposed of three consecutive American wild cards–Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and Jared Donaldson. Not one of those opponents managed to take a set off Isner and none earned a single break of serve.
Isner’s run continued on Friday with a 7-6(4), 7-5 victory over Donaldson. The world No. 19 fired 25 aces and held all 12 of his service games without facing a break point to advance in one hour and 30 minutes.
The streak of compatriots on the other side of the net, however, will come to an end on Saturday afternoon.
Instead, Grigor Dimitrov awaits Isner in the semis. Dimitrov also has refused to surrender a single set in defeats of Feliciano Lopez, Juan Martin Del Potro, and Yuichi Sugita. The world No. 11 was especially dominant on Friday, when he trounced surprising quarterfinalist Yuichi Sugita 6-2, 6-1 in 52 minutes.
“It’s a good feeling, for sure,” the Bulgarian said of advancing to the final four. “I like playing in Cincinnati. I love that centre court, as well. I think all that brings me good memories and just a positive way of thinking when I come out there on the court.
“I think that was about it, to be honest. I didn’t think I did anything spectacular except playing the game the right way today. Just glad to get off court for about an hour. Save some energy and prepare for tomorrow.”
Isner and Dimitrov are joined in the semis by Nick Kyrgios and David Ferrer.
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now the competition gets tough(er)
If Isner continues to serve as he has been I don’t think he will lose to Dimitrov.