Fish triumphs in Atlanta

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Fish triumphs in Atlanta

Top seed Mardy Fish saved two break points against third favorite John Isner in the Atlanta final before running through a 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory which has brought him the first title of the season.

The two players exchanged 28 aces, 15 of which being thundered by this term’s Halle champion who won the first set thanks to a precious break point. Even more than that Isner neared the victory when the 26-year-old led his conational 6-5 at one point in the breaker, only to be stunned by a late comeback which gave Fish the chance to even the situation and push the clash into a decider.

The third set brought the same world number nine two more break points as well as a well deserved victory which improved his head to head record against Isner to 3-1. The 29-year-old finished the game with a 61 first serve percentage, three break points and a 74 of service points won, compared to John who had a 69 first serve percentage, six double faults and a poor 22 return percentage.

Said Fish: “When you’re in that position, it’s almost over. I was lucky to get out of it. I stuck some returns and put some balls in play. I played some good points from then on.” On the other side, Isner admitted the victory and complained his own service. “In hindsight, I should have served and volleyed on the second serve. He got it in play and I went for too big of a backhand and missed it by a lot.”

Fish has gone 6-12 in the finals, Sunday’s title being the only one in career he managed to defend. His main aim is now to remain within the top ten ATP rankings. As for Isner, he has dropped 2-5 in the finals, his only season success remaining the Halle title. Previous to the final, he had ousted Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in another three-set epic, 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.

En route to the final, he had also grabbed a 6-1, 6-2 win against Yen Hsun Lu and a 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 one against compatriot and veteran James Blake. Fish’s route to the final had included a 6-2, 6-4 win over Ryan Harrison, but also two two-set wins against Somdev Devvarman and Nicolas Mahut.

Fish goes home with a $96,800 check and 250 points ATP, while Isner is to pocket $50,900 and 150 points ATP. Next up for the Atlanta winner is the Los Angeles event which is scheduled to start this Monday.

Atlanta Prize Money and points:

Winner – $96,800 and 250 points ATP

Runner-up – $50,900 and 150 points ATP

Semi finalist – $27,600 and 90 points ATP

Quarter finalist – $15,730 and 45 points ATP

R16 – $9,265 and 20 points ATP

R32 – $5,500 and zero points

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