Isner triumphs in Salem

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Isner triumphs in Salem

John Isner has claimed his second title of the season after edging Julien Benneteau 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Winston Salem final. The 26 year old American hit 19 aces past the Frenchman who could only grab one break from the fourth seed.

Benneteau had a much better start, managing to set the pace in the first term which saw him steal one service form his opponent only to be left two sets behind later on. Isner leveled the score thanks to an early break, the only one of the set, pushing the meeting into a third set decider. Benneteau had grabbed his previous three wins in three sets, being forced to push hard in the last term, as well.

Isner picked yet another break in the third set as Benneteau was no longer able to come from behind and push it into a breaker. World number 28 has thus captured his second home title of the year to become a real threat for the forthcoming US Open event which is to start on Monday.

Isner, who cimited six double faults in the final, won 72 percent of service points, 28 on return and hit 83 wins, compared to his opponent whose showing included a similar service and return percentage. The American had previously ousted top seed and defending champion Andy Roddick 7-6, 6-4 in the semis, Marcos Baghdatis 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the quarter finals, Jarkko Nieminen 7-6, 6-2 in the third term and Dudi Sela 7-6, 6-2 in the opener.

On the other side, Benneteau had edged Robin Haase 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 in the previous term, Sergiy Stakhovsky 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 in the final eight round, Igor Andreev 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 in the third term, Igor Kunitsyn 6-3, 6-1 in the second term and Ricardo Mello 6-1, 6-3 in the opening day.

Said Isner after hoisting the trophy: “It means a lot for sure to win. Any time you win a tournament at this level, it is a huge accomplishment. For me personally, it is great, to win here in virtually my hometown. I think this is perfect preparation for me heading up north.”

Isner is to receive a $74,630 check as well as 250 points ATP, while Benneteau earned $42,500 and 150 points ATP and remains out of the top 100.

Winston Salem Prize Money and points:

Winner – $74,630 and 250 points ATP

Runner-up – $42,500 and 150 points ATP

Semi finalist – $24,520 points ATP

Quarter finalist – $14,435 and 45 points ATP

R16 – $8,410 and 20 points ATP

R32 – $5,110 and 10 points ATP

R48 – $3,115 and zero points

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