Washington: John Isner claimed his fourth ATP Atlanta title, saving a set-point in both sets en route to a 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7) win over Ryan Harrison.
Second-seeded American Isner notched his second ATP title in as many weeks after lifting the trophy in Newport last week. Isner had won the tournament here in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Harrison, seeded fourth, was denied a second career ATP title, to go with his victory in Memphis in February.
“There wasn’t much that separated us at all,” Isner said after the match, Sunday. “So I’m happy to win that match in straight sets… very happy to have another title in my bag.
Both players held serve throughout the opening set to force the tie-breaker, in which Isner faced a set-point at 5-6 but saved it with a booming serve. He then converted a set-point of his own at 7-6 with a forehand winner.
Harrison ended Isner’s run of 75 straight service holds – dating back to last week’s Newport tournament – when he broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set.
But Isner broke back immediately, and they held serve to force another tie-breaker. Harrison made Isner work for it, saving a match point with a forehand winner before giving himself a set-point at 7-6.
His friend Isner responded with an ace, and went on to seal the victory his second match point with a forehand winner up the line.
“It was a battle and took every ounce of my energy out there,” Isner said. “Just more importantly, I’m so happy to win this tournament again.”