Isner books Newport final against Bublikhome/Sports/Top Sports/Isner books Newport final against BublikNEW YORK: Three-time champion John Isner fended off fourth-seeded Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to reach the final of the ATP grass court tournament in Newport, Rhode Island. In sweltering heat, Isner and fourth-seeded Humbert played the first two sets without a service break. Isner’s miscue on a backhand volley at 2-2 in the first-set tiebreaker was the only opening Humbert needed to pocket the set. Isner double-faulted early in the second-set tiebreaker, but won five straight points as he rallied to level the match — firing a stinging backhand winner on his second set point. But he’ll face another hungry youngster in Bublik, who like Isner has needed three sets for all of his victories this week.

Source: Manila Times July 21, 2019 16:14 UTC