He didn't win then, but he sure did today.

Instead former University of Georgia star Isner took the first mini-break to bring a 4-2 lead into the changeover. After that he didn't look back, holding three match points before eventually advancing with a 7-5 score in the decider. It was his first win over Roddick and just another indication of how he's grown as a player. In D.C. he had several chances to make the final, and while I was afraid he might not be able to regroup in time for the Open, he proved his maturity and finally triumphed over his nemesis on the grandest of stages -- the same stage, incidentally, where Roddick won his only Grand Slam six years ago.

Isner will next face Fernando Verdasco -- he might be a bit disappointed as the Spaniard ousted Tommy Haas in another five-set squeaker, as John's beaten the German a few times already in his short pro career. Melanie will get Nadia Petrova -- a woman who herself must be excited that she won't face Sharapova for the fourth time this summer. But their opponents should be carefull not to allow themselves any false sense of security. In my latest poll, you guys voted John and Melanie the most likely of all this year's standouts to advance well into their respective draws. So far they've proved you right, and now that they have just a little more confidence, and a lot more belief, both should be considered legitimate threats for the remainder of the Open.

It might still be premature to say either could bring home the ultimate trophy at the end of this week, but you can be sure I'll be rooting for them the rest of the way!
1 comment:
Good take on the US Open, I also enjoy your tweets. This one is hard to call on either side (other then doubles).
Grant Day
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