Isner Gets Revenge, Saves 1 M.P. In Third Set Tie-break
John Isner lived dangerously on Wednesday at the Mutua Madrid Open, saving one match point in yet another third-set tie-break against Roberto Bautista Agut.
Five weeks on from the Spaniard saving one match point in a 7/6(7) third-set win over Isner at the Miami Open presented by Itau, it was the American’s turn to savour victory in spite of a partisan crowd on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium.
Isner hit 32 aces to book his place in the Madrid third round with a 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(6) victory over Bautista Agut in two hours and 23 minutes.
Isner saw a 5/2 lead evaporate in the deciding set tie-break as Bautista Agut won four straight points. The Spaniard served for the match at 6/5, but struck a forehand into the net as Isner remained clutch in baseline rallies. Isner then hit a huge forehand winner and went on to fire a kick serve to Bautista Agut’s backhand to complete a memorable win.
It was the 60th time in Isner’s career that he has won a deciding-set tie-break (60-49). The 36-year-old has now struck 60 aces in two matches this week, following 28 aces against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round on Monday.
[WATCH LIVE 1]Isner won’t be able to rest on his laurels. The former World No. 8 now prepares to face sixth-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev, who has a 27-6 match record on the season. Isner won their only previous match 6-3, 6-4 in Miami six years ago.
Bautista Agut, who saved nine of 10 break points against Isner, is now 2-4 lifetime against Isner in their ATP Head2Head series. The 33-year-old lost to Jannik Sinner in the Miami semi-finals last month and is now 16-11 on the season.