John Isner overpowers Jarkko Nieminen to move into quarterfinal – Winston-Salem Open 2011
John Isner, American world No.28, struck again playing his 3rd round fixture of Winston-Salem Open 2011 at the Wake Forest University beating Jarkko Nieminen, Finn, in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-2 on Wednesday, 24th August.
The two fought out for 65 minutes before Isner qualified for the quarter-final.
Playing the gigantic American, 6’9”, the Finn has never accomplished a win although has played Isner 2 times before as well. Second to that the former world No.13, Finn, has not been so satisfying in his stats on hard courts and
especially against the American world No.28.
Working up at the top of his ranking for now, the Atlanta Tennis Championship 2011 finalist has been quite impressive throughout the 2011 season. Playing most of his matches on hard court, Isner has made quite an understanding
on the fast court. Using his height as an advantage, the local lad has perfected in squeaking points acing his rival multiple times.
On the other hand, Nieminen, short and old, has been struggling to find his form on the fast hard court. Losing in Cincinnati and Rogers Cup, the Finn tried to conquer the Wake Forest University hard court, failing miserably. The
30-year-old although has had the taste of standing along the top ten, his days of glory seem to have vanished.
Both contenders enjoyed an easy bye through the first round of Winston-Salem Open 2011 and cleared their second beating their opponents in straight sets, however, the 3rd round decided the lucky winner into the quarter-final
round.
The fixture started off with the local favourite serving first to open up the match. Isner, winning the first game, took an immediate lead, however, was soon followed up by the Finn in set 2. Playing just as strong, Nieminen levelled
up with the American giant at 2-2, 3-3, and 4-4 and then on 5-5.
Eventually the set went into a tiebreaker with Isner to serve first. Taking over the tiebreak in no time, the Americans applauded as their favourite took the lead in winning set 1 7-6(4) and onto the next.
Isner hiked up even stronger than set 1 as he blistered the Finn with aces and lightening fast returners. Opening up set 2 with his serve, Nieminen switched the serve winning game 1. However, the scores levelled up with Nieminen
to serve again.
The American world No.28 stormed in as he broke the Finn in game 3 and 5 to extend his lead to 5-1 with 4 back-to-back games. Gaining back just one more game, the 30-year-old finally went down in set 2 losing game 8 and the match
to the local lad.
Isner followed up with a bow to the crowd after his win and went off with a seat in the quarter-final round. He will now play Marcos Baghdatis in the quarter-final of Winston-Salem Open.
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