John Isner sought his first clay-court title against one of the game’s best on the surface, Nicolas Almagro.
In 2012, American John Isner entered the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships with four wins on the surface already under his belt after the first two rounds of Davis Cup, defeating Roger Federer, Gilles Simon, Stan Wawrinka and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in away ties. His solid form continued in Houston as he advanced to the final there for the first time, falling to Juan Monaco in three sets.
Despite not having that type of preparation on clay in 2013 before the tournament, Isner managed to repeat his performance by advancing to the final with his run including a win over Monaco in the semifinals.
Waiting in the wings was one of the game’s best clay-court players, Nicolas Almagro. The Spaniard, making his first appearance at the tournament, lived up to his billing as the top seed by advancing to the championship match with the loss of only one set, against Gael Monfils in the second round.
Entering the match, Almagro had won both of his previous encounters against the American: on clay in the 2012 Davis Cup semifinals and perhaps, more surprisingly, in the second round at Wimbledon the year prior. The Davis Cup tie, though, went the distance, giving weight to the fact Isner would be able to compete against his more-accomplished opponent on the surface.
In the initial stages of the first set, that notion was put to the test as Almagro gained an early break to go up 3-1—a near-perfect position for the world No. 12, who took the first set in 10 of his 12 title-winning final matches. From that position, Isner managed to break serve twice on his way to winning five games in a row and the first set.
Throughout the second set, the two battled back and forth, staying on serve until Isner secured a break at 5-5. Serving for the title at 40-30, Isner struck a serve out wide to Almagro’s backhand. The return went long, giving the American the first clay-court title of his career.
1
Isner was the first American to reach a final in 2013.
2
Only two Spaniards had won the tournament in its 103-year existence: Jose Higueras in 1982 and Marcel Granollers in 2008. Both players beat Americans in their respective finals.
5
Since the tournament's move to Houston in 2001, Isner became the fifth American to win the event, after Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Mardy Fish and Ryan Sweeting.
Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias
