Alexander Zverev versus John Isner in Miami Open Men’s Final
(March 30, 2018) MIAMI -John Isner, playing some of the best tennis of his life defeated a tired Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 7-6(2) to reach his first Miami Open final. The six-foot-ten 32-year-old Isner hit 19 winners in the first set, a total of 36 for the match against six-foot six Argentine, as well as 13 aces, stopping del Potro’s 15-match win streak. Del Potro Won Acapulco and Indian Wells events coming into Miami.
“He came out a little bit slow, simply because he’s played so many matches and he’s understandably sort of running on fumes,” said Isner.
“So that was certainly a big advantage for me. I was much fresher than him, and I think that played a big role today.
“But also, I did play my game well, so that certainly helped. You know, he’s coming into this match winning so many matches. When you’re that confident, even when you’re super, super tired, you still find a way to win. So I knew he had that on his side.”
“As always, I have been feeling tight in all my body for the last couple of weeks, but when I get into the court I love to play tennis,” del Potro said. “I got too much love from the fans, and maybe that pains go away during the match.
“But today John plays better. I don’t have any skills for that. He was better than me, and he deserved to win.”
The 14th seeded Isner will play No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday. The 20-year-old German bested No. 16 Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Zverev has won two Masters Series title, both last year – in Roma and Canada. Isner is seeking his first Masters title. He’s 0-3 in finals losing to three of the big four – Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Isner is trying to become the first American to win a Miami event since Andy Roddick in 2010.
“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.,” he said.
“But if I’m on the flip side of that, if I’m not playing too confidently out there and not doing the right things on the court, I can be beaten by anybody, as well.
“It’s been a very streaky year so far, but I’m very happy to be on the good side of that streak right now.”
“I think the main reason why I’m playing so well — there is two reasons, really,” he explained. “I think doing well in the doubles in Indian Wells helped a lot. It kept me in match mode, and I was getting real live reps on return. Playing in a pressure situation, even though it’s doubles, I think that helped a lot. When I have done well in doubles in the past, it’s always carried over to my singles game going forward.
“But with my coach, David Macpherson and I, when I first got to Miami, we have been having dinner every night and talking some things over. So it’s not a situation this week where I was just putting in the hard work. Of course I was working hard, but I was just — I have been more relaxed on the court, and I think that’s showing in my play.”
Zverev hit ten aces against Carreno Busta and never faced a break point. The young German is now 3-0 in Masters 1000 semifinals.
“I’m just going to focus on what I do well and come up with a game plan with whoever I’m playing on Sunday,” Isner said.
“Sascha, also, I mean, he’s the best young player this game has.”
“It’s going to be a completely different match (than the one today), said Zverev about the final. “I think he’s going to hit a lot of aces, a lot of winners. You know, it’s going to be completely different match.
“But I’m ready for it, and hopefully it will be another great one.”
