John Isner wins title; defeats Julien Benneteau – Winston-Salem Open 2011
Making his way to the finals beating fellow countryman Andy Roddick, John Isner stepped in the Wake Forest University Hard Court here at Winston Salem, USA to play Frenchman qualifier, Julien Benneteau.
Dated on Saturday, 27th August, the final round started off at 12 noon with a huge number of spectators chanting their favourites’ name. Walking into the court the gigantic local was greeted with a cheer from home fans.
Benneteau, speculated to win the match because of his spectacular winning streak in the ATP Tour 250 event, had a shocker in the end. Playing his ninth match of the event, Benneteau had maximized his hold at the hard circuit. Winning most of his matches in
straight sets, he had yet to face any real challenge.
Standing tall at 6’9”, Isner was now known as the back bouncer. Working up to a win after being down in the first set, the American world No.28 has won most of his matches bouncing back in the final sets.
Starting off from the 1st round of the Winston-Salem Open, the mighty local favourite took out his fellow countryman, Andy Roddick in the semis who was expecting a certain win. Formerly ranked world No.18, Isner put
forward his best ever performance winning his second title of the season.
Walking down the court, the two took their places to start off with the match. The home boy served first for the starter and took an initial lead winning game-1. Following the gigantic American, Benneteau levelled the scores winning
game-2, 1-1.
Winning on their respective serves, the two levelled up at 2-2, 3-3 and then on 4-4 before the American blundered. Isner slipped giving a breakpoint to the Frenchman who finished off the first set 6-4, taking the lead in the match
1-0 and onto the next.
Continuing with the set 2, the Frenchman was somewhat sure of his win when the American jumped back into the game winning set 2. Serving first, Isner took the advantage lead in game 1, however, was followed up quickly by the Frenchman.
The two followed up each other levelling scores at 2-2, and 3-3 before Isner made his move of the day. Breaking the world No.113, Isner extended his 4-3 lead to 5-3 before he finished off the set in game 9, 6-3.
The match boiled up as it entered the golden round. Serving first, Benneteau made an early run winning game 1 followed up by the American to level the scores, 1-1.
Equalling up at 2-2, Isner pulled off the strings, breaking the Frenchman in game 5 and taking the lead, 3-2. Extending his lead in the next game the American made up a strong 2 game defence and maintained it until he stood still
with his hands high up in the air and a big smile on his face.
“It means a lot for sure," said the 28th-ranked Isner, who will face Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus on Wednesday in the opening round of the U.S. Open. "Obviously, I couldn't have asked for anything better. This is perfect preparation
for me heading up north."
Isner lifted his 2nd trophy of the year with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over the Frenchman.
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