ATP Newport: Friday Rundown

Coverage

2012

Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis

Saturday, 14 July 2012 05:11

ATP Newport: Friday Rundown

Written by Mariya Konovalova

Friday's Similar but Not the Same
In the day's first Singles Quarterfinal, defending champion John Isner faced South Africa's Izak van der Merwe. Like Isner, van der Merwe is tall (but not quite as tall), has a serve-based game (but his serve isn't as great), and is a product of college tennis – Isner, famously, of the University of Georgia and van der Merwe of Old Dominion. In fact, the two once faced each other in the Semifinals of the NCAA Championships in 2004, when Isner's team prevailed (Incidentally, another of Friday's quarterfinalists, Benjamin Becker, then of Baylor, won the men's singles event that year).

Isner won again this time, defeating the 155th-ranked van der Merwe, 6-4, 7-6(2). It wasn't easy, however, and Isner admitted he believed it was a "toss-up" and a fight, as the top seed's serve was a tad off in the match. It was not pretty, either. "When you have two big servers on the court, it's not going to be pretty," Isner told the media after advancing to the semifinals.

Friday's Rebound
This match was just another step in Isner's comeback from a slump which included a disappointing loss to Paul-Henri Mathieu at Roland Garros. "I was a bit of a mess" after the French, Isner said. Going into Wimbledon "in a bad frame of mind" and lacking preparation, the American's slump continued, as he lost in a first-round five-setter to Alejandro Falla, and then "didn't watch any Wimbledon at all."

In Friday's match, Isner felt he was calmer in tight spots than in other matches during the past few months. He hopes that playing well in Newport will allow him to launch a successful summer campaign, as it did in 2011, when winning here revived his game.

Friday's Affirmation
"[Ryan] Harrison thinks he can beat anybody in the world," said Isner with a smile suggesting he is way past his own days of youthful exuberance. Harrison views this as the type of affirmative thinking that leads to success, and the only type of mentality for a champion. "I really believe I can win any match, any tournament, he said... following up with, "I hope it clicks sooner rather than later."

Besides, "I think that John has the same attitude," Harrison said.

Friday's Greener Pastures
Harrison, who joined Isner in the Semifinals when his opponent Becker retired with a left hamstring injury, is happy to get to continue the grass season in Newport in anticipation of the Olympics. In addition to representing his country and trying on the now infamous Ralph Lauren uniforms, Harrison looks forward to a chance to watch basketball and gymnastics.

Friday's Salute
Friday was Military Appreciation Day at the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The grounds were filled with men and women in uniform, who were honored during the day's play and at special events on the grounds. The US national anthem was performed several times on Center Court, including by Janine Stange, a singer on a mission to sing the anthem at events in all 50 states. During her performances, Stange is collecting donations to an organization supporting military families.

For more photos from Friday, CLICK HERE

Additional Info

Photographer: Mariya Konovalova

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Mariya Konovalova

Mariya Konovalova is the Editor-in-Chief of TalkAboutTennis.com content. When not watching, photographing, writing, and editing material about tennis, she enjoys buying books she won't have time to read and films she won't have time to watch, as well as not getting enough sleep. Mariya is a graduate of Columbia University and the London School of Economics. You can contact her by e-mail (mariya(at)TalkAboutTennis.com) and follow her on Twitter (@MariyaKTennis).