Isner routs del Potro to reach Miami Open final

American John Isner slammed his way into the Miami Open final with a dominating 6-1, 7-6 (2) semifinal win over fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro on Friday at Key Biscayne, Fla.

The 14th-seeded Isner recorded 13 aces in the one-hour, 22-minute match while halting the red-hot del Potro’s 15-match winning streak.

“Things are just clicking. Look, if I’m returning well and getting in return games, that should bode well for me, given how I serve,” Isner told reporters after the victory. “Very happy it’s all sort of coming together right now.

“I just know with my game, if I’m doing the right things, it doesn’t really matter who I’m playing. I’m going to be very tough to beat.”

In the final on Sunday, Isner will face fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who dispatched 16th-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-2, later Friday night.

Isner controlled his match from the outset and registered 39 winners. Del Potro managed only 10.

“John deserved to win today,” del Potro said. “He served unbelievable. He played great tennis on the tie-break. He was too good for me.”

The Argentine leads the ATP Tour with 21 victories this season and had been playing superbly prior to facing Isner, as he won titles at Acapulco and Indian Wells.

But he was unable to handle Isner on Friday. Isner recorded 19 winners while cruising through the first set with del Potro failing to hit a single winning shot.

“There was a game plan. I stuck to it pretty well,” Isner said. “I think more importantly than that, it was just a case of me playing some good tennis out there and being relaxed, which was crucial.”

The second set was more competitive before Isner finished it off in the tiebreaker.

“He has a better serve than me, and then when he plays as good as today, he’s one of the tougher guys on tour,” del Potro said. “Not many players can return his serves. He plays every time making winners. When he has a good day, he has everything to win a title like this. I think he was better for today.”

Isner will need to be his best in facing Zverev, who hasn’t dropped a set in his last three matches. The German had 10 aces compared to Carreno Busta’s three Friday.

Zverev is seeking his third Masters title.

–Field Level Media