John Isner crashes out of the Serbia Open after losing to Ricardo Mello
Last year’s runner-up at the Serbia Open, John Isner of United States suffered disappointment when the 90th ranked Brazilian, Ricardo Mello, defeated him in the opening round clash at the Tennis Center Novak complex
in Belgrade, Serbia on Tuesday noon. Fifth seed Isner hung in for one hour and fifteen minutes before submitting the game to his opponent in straight sets, 4-6, 6-7(4), to end his voyage at the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 event.
The unseeded Brazilian put up an amazing display of determination and courage to undertake the world number 29 Isner. The American had defeated Mello in straight sets at Indian Wells this year but was paid in his own coins this
time round by the Brazilian. Mello now levels the head-to-head record against Isner to 1-1 and advances to the second round of the Serbia Open.
The mighty serve of Isner gave a tough time to his opponent but couldn’t prevent him from defeat in the end. The American fired 18 thudding aces while serving with 73 per cent precision but frittered away most of his break opportunities
to remain on the losing end. Mello was phenomenal with nabbing points on regularity and clinched 40 of 47 first serve points in the matchup, breaking the opponent’s serve twice to wrap up straight sets victory.
The 30-year-old Brazilian had a blistering start to the contest and dropped just three points in his opening five games. He equally met the powerful serve of Isner and reeled of 20 of 23 serve points in the opening set. One serve
break for Mello proved more than enough to serve put of the first set at 5-4 and get one up in the competition.
The American made a breakthrough early in the following set and raced away to 4-2 to get a commanding position in the matchup. The Brazilian veteran finally broke Isner to cut the deficit to 3-4 and then carried on his momentum
to drag the second set in to a tie breaker round. The fifth seed fired nine aces in the second set but his four double faults had their toll out of his game. A mini-break for Mello at 4-3 proved to be decisive and he clinched two service points to conclude
victory at 7-6(4).
Mello will take on Blaz Kavcic of Russia in the second round of the Serbia Open. Kavcic stood victorious against Tobias Kamke of Germany in straight sets 7-6(0), 6-0, in the opening round at Belgrade.
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