ATP - Isner reaches finals and overtakes Fish to become top ranked American

American John Isner survived a tough three set battle to beat No. 3 seed Feliciano Lopez 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-3 and reach the finals of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston.

The win also means that Isner will beocme the top ranked American in the world on Monday’s rankings list, overtaking Mardy Fish.

“Even coming out of college it’s something I never could have imagined,” commented Isner. “But as I started to improve and play better a little bit, I knew that this could be something that was attainable for me. I’m very thrilled. And now I have my highest ranking ever as well, No. 9. That was my next goal, after I got to 10. Now my newest goal is to get to eight, then seven, and then six.”

“He serves so well and on top of that, he was hitting his forehand and slice well. He was the one making me feeling uncomfortable,” commented Isner. “I certainly wasn’t feeling my best at times out there, but I’m fortunate to be able to get through matches because of my serve. I’m very lucky to have that on my side. It wasn’t pretty, but I found a way to eventually get it done and I’m proud of that.”

Isner will meet Argentine Juan Monaco in the final.

Monaco advanced beat American qualifier Michael Russell 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. “It wasn’t easy to play. It was very windy and he played great tennis,” Monaco commented. “It was difficult to get a rhythm. They were tough conditions, but I’m happy to win the match and be in the final.”

Isner will be aiming for his fourth title on tour, but first on clay, while Moncao will be aiming for his fifth.

Meanwhile, in Casablanca, seventh seed Albert Ramos beat Igor Andreev 6-3, 7-6(7) to reach the finals of the Grand Prix Hassan II where he will meet defending champion Pablo Andujar, who beat Flavio Cipolla 6-3, 7-5.