Florian Mayer stuns John Isner in the third round – Sony Ericsson Open 2012
World number 19, Florian Mayer of Germany, advanced to the last 16 for the third time in Miami, as he surprised 10th seed John Isner in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 in the round of 32 at the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday.
The German ousted Isner in just an hour and seven minutes.
Mayer and Isner started steadily, holding their serves in the first six games of the opening set and levelling the score at 3-3. Isner came under pressure in the seventh but put away four break points to keep it on serve. However,
the American could not match his effort in the ninth game, as he was unable to save the fourth threat. Mayer consolidated on the single break of serve and sealed the first set 6-4.
The German banged in only one ace and just 62 percent of the first serves. Though, he had a remarkable conversion rate, winning 14 of the 16 first and six of the 10 second delivery points in the opener.
Mayer was full of confidence after getting hold of the first set. He started the second set brilliantly, breaking the American serve in the opening game and holding his next one to attain a 2-0 lead. The German struck again in
the fifth and capitalised on the double advantage, capturing it 6-2.
The 28-year-old continued to grab most of his serve points. Mayer amazingly claimed nine of the 10 first delivery points. On the other hand, Isner, who is known for his big serves, looked completely lethargic. The American won
just nine of the 14 first and two of the five second delivery points.
Mayer has an impressive career record at the Sony Ericsson Open. The German reached the last 16 in his very first appearance here, upsetting the then world number 12, Nicolas Almagro, in the third round. The right-hander lost a
thrilling battle to seventh seed Tomas Berdych 3-6, 6-2, 6-7(4) in the fourth round last year.
The German will face sixth seed, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, in the fourth round. Tsonga defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(2) in the last match.
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