John Isner swerves clear of Tobias Kamke in opener – Legg Mason Tennis Classic 2011
Eleventh seed American John Isner easily bypassed his German opponent Tobias Kamke in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 win on Tuesday at the second round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The annual Washington tournament, an ATP World Tour
500 has garnered an enviable reputation as a famed tune up event for the US Open attracting seasoned players to the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Centre. Isner is now securely berthed in the third round of this year’s edition of the fabled tournament.
World No. 35 Isner has raked in considerable media attention in the recent month or two, given his outstanding performances at Atlanta and Newport. Isner won the Newport title early July in a thrilling two set final against Belgian
Olivier Rochus and finished his Atlanta campaign on a high note by standing runner up to top American Mardy Fish. Isner’s opponent the 94th ranked German Kamke came into the tournament with a 10-15 win loss standing. He had a fairly successful outing
at Hamburg before flying in to Washington, when he reached the clay tournament’s third round before losing to Marin Cilic. Kamke is still on the hunt for his maiden ATP Title.
Isner played the opening set’s first game and fired 3 superbly executed aces, while serving at 65%. Isner won 88% of his first serve points against Kamke’s paltry 50%. Isner registered two overwhelming serve breaks in the 4th and
6thgames of the set to send his opponent reeling behind. Isner sealed the first set at 6-1 without even breaking a sweat.
Setting the tone, Isner broke Kamke in the first game of the second set. A visibly shaken Kamke managed to connect only 53% of his serves, while the hard hitting Isner served efficiently at 63%. Isner won the second set 6-3 resolutely
by registering another bone crushing break of serve in the set’s last game.
The two players’ had last met in an action packed match at Newport’s semi finals. The eventual title winner had thrashed Kamke 7-5, 7-6(4). Isner improved their head to head ranking 2-0 in his account.
Isner’s third round clash at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic is set against compatriot veteran James Blake. Blake is performing at his best since the last few weeks and in his Tuesday’s match scored a massive upset 6-2, 6-4 against
defending champion David Nalbandian. The match is sure to generate massive excitement amongst fans as the venerable Blake looks dead set on making a comeback before the US Open.
Tags: