Three Americans will be in quarterfinal action on Friday in Newport, where Lleyton Hewitt is the lone foreigner. Hewitt is facing Steve Johnson and an all-American clash will pit John Isner against Jack Sock.
(1) John Isner vs. (7) Jack Sock
Isner and Sock will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers and for the second time this season when they collide in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Friday. All three of their previous encounters have gone Isner’s way after the 12th-ranked American prevailed 6-4, 6-3 two months ago on the clay courts of Nice. Their other two meetings came on hard courts; Isner won 7-6(7), 6-4 at the 2012 Atlanta event and he scored a 7-5, 6-7(3), 7-6(3) victory last year on the clay courts of Houston.
Sock is coming off a well-documented surprise run to the Wimbledon doubles title with partner Vasek Pospisil. The 21-year-old American is a solid 14-10 at the ATP level in singles this season following wins this week over countrymen Alex Kuznetsov and Rajeev Ram (both in straight sets). Isner has advanced by taking out Wayne Odesnik and Austin Krajicek, also Americans and also in straights. Newport’s top seed is 23-11 for his 2014 campaign, which includes a title in Auckland. Isner may not be at his very best on grass, but he has won this tournament two of the past three years. This should be a serve-fest, something that generally favors Isner.
Pick: Isner in 3
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(3) Lleyton Hewitt vs. (6) Steve Johnson
Like Isner, Hewitt is no stranger to success on the lawn of Newport. After 14 years between his first and second appearances at the tournament, Hewitt finished runner-up to Isner in 2012 and he also reached the final last summer, losing to Nicolas Mahut. The 33-year-old Australian is off a strong start this week, with a comeback victory over Ryan Harrison followed by a 6-2, 6-2 rout of Ante Pavic. Hewitt is looking to get back on track in the aftermath of some recent struggles, which have his 2014 record at a modest 14-12 despite a title to begin the season in Brisbane.
Up next for the third seed on Friday is a first-ever meeting with Johnson. The 69th-ranked American owns 11 of his 18 career ATP-level match wins this year, including a semifinal showing in Delray Beach and quarterfinal finishes in Auckland and Halle. Johnson has also been a force on the Challenger circuit, with two titles and two runner-up performances to his credit. The 24-year-old should be able to be competitive with big serves and forehands, but Hewitt is more experienced on this surface and will likely use his counter-punching prowess to eventually break down Johnson’s backhand.
Pick: Hewitt in 3
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