WASHINGTON: John Isner, coming off a victory last week in Atlanta, is counting on a solid showing at this week’s Washington Open to keep his momentum strong heading into the US Open.
“I’m on a little bit of a roll right now. If I’m able to keep that going that would be a good thing,” Isner said Tuesday.
Big-serving Isner, ranked 12th in the world and seeded fifth this week, won at Auckland early in the season and defended his Atlanta crown, making this his fourth year in a row with two titles.
“It does wonders for your confidence,” Isner said of his title run.
"Physically I feel great. I felt like I got stronger each and every match. So it gets my summer rolling.” And that, Isner said, he what he needs to make the jump back to his career best of ninth in the rankings and jump to the next level.
“Just do what I’ve been doing. Just winning matches. That’s what gives you confidence,” Isner said.
“I have to be as aggressive as I can, especially when I’m returning serves.”
Isner, who like all seeds had a first-round bye, opened his second-round match against fellow American Steve Johnson, who ousted Australian James Duckworth 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
Japanese fourth seed Kei Nishikori played Sam Querrey, who ousted fellow American Michael Russell 6-4, 6-3.
South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, the highest men’s seed to take the court at seventh, advanced to the third round by defeating Russian Evgeny Donskoy 6-3, 6-4.
Aussie Bernard Tomic was eliminated by Uzbek 15th seed Denis Istomin 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) in another second-round match. AFP