Juan Monaco has continued his good form by topping John Isner to take the Houston final 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Isner, who showed huge promise on the clay courts in Paris last year against Nadal, is now the highest ranked American – taking over from the troubled Mardy Fish.
Monaco did the borderline impossible and broke Isner’s serve twice in the first set before the lanky American came thundering back. The two did battle for almost two and a half hours.
Isner said despite his slow start he thought, ultimately, it was a high quality match.
“I came out of the gates slow. I wasn’t quite there. It took a while to get warmed up and engaged in the match. I got better as the match went on.
After the first set, the quality from both of us picked up a lot. I had some things go right in the second set. I saved a number of break points. But I had some things go against me in the third set. He was pressuring me pretty well all day. All in all, it was a good effort and was the best match I played all week. That’s encouraging. I was a little tired, but I didn’t feel it at the end.”
For Monaco this is the most consistent play we have seen from him in a long time (if ever) with the best results. Due to some hard work Monaco has now moved up to number 14 in the world which is an equal career best for him.
