Death, taxes, and John Isner being the last American man at a Grand Slam. Those a pretty much three certainties of post-Andy Roddick tennis life.
Isner found himself in that familiar spot after Saturday’s Australian Open action concluded. Following Isner’s 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory over Feliciano Lopez, Steve Johnson fell to David Ferrer in straight sets.
Isner had lost to Lopez in a five-set struggle at the same stage of this same event back in 2012. For a while, more of the same seemed to be in store for this one. Each of the first two sets progressed to tiebreakers, with the Spaniard taking the opener despite double-faulting at 6-5 in the ‘breaker. Lopez had a chance to go up by two sets, but Isner fought back from a mini-break down in the second one to steal it seven points to five.
From there it was one-way traffic for the world No. 11. Isner broke Lopez twice in the third set and once in the fourth while never even facing a break point on his own serve.
“It’s a big win,” the former University of Georgia star assured. “It’s a very tough opponent, especially for me, the way he plays. It certainly has given me trouble before in the past. Also been a little while since I’ve been in the round of 16 at this tournament (2010). It feels great. I’m very relieved to get through.”
Highlights:
Only one man remains for the host nation, as well. Nick Kyrgios crashed out of the tournament at the hands of Tomas Berdych on Friday, but Bernard Tomic picked up the slack one day later. Of course, an Aussie was always going to advance out of Tomic’s match–because he faced compatriot John Millman. The 16th seed ended the run of his underdog opponent with a 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory.
“I’m very, very pleased and very happy with the way I (have) played so far in this tournament,” Tomic commented. “Today was a very tough match to be part of; very physical out there. John was making a lot of balls.”
Highlights:
Next up for the 23-year-old is Andy Murray, who held off Joao Sousa in four sets.
“Playing Andy now is amazing opportunity,” Tomic added. “(He’s) one of the best players in the world. (I) have to go out there with nothing to lose and play the right tennis like I’ve been playing in the last month.”
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WHO YA GOT?
Still going with Murray and Isner. I realize Ferrer has the best of Isner, but I watched that match in Paris and Isner was hurt and had stomach cramps and was the walking wounded. He still took Ferrer to 3 sets. I think he has a chance
Ferrer in four because head to head and I feel like this is good matchup for the Spaniard but I do think john has good shot as well. And I’m taking Murray to win in four. I may be nice giving Tomic a set but Murray struggled against Sousa so I think the in form Tomic at home should be able to push the Brit a little.
I have to stay with Ferrer in 4 sets. I picked him to beat Isner in the bracket and I see no reason to change now.
I would have said Murray over Tomic in 3 sets, but after finding out that it took 4 sets for him to beat Sousa, I will go with Murray in 4 sets over Tomic.
Ferrer in 4 or 5.
…unless John has a stellar serving day and can win in 3.
Murray in 3.