Miami, March 31
Roger Federer defeated a hobbling John Isner 6-1 6-4 for his 101th career title at the Miami Open. Holder Isner struggled to continue late in the second set, hampered by pain in his left foot.
Federer, who won his fourth Miami title, broke Isner three times in a blazing opening set. “It was a dream start, relaxing my nerves,” the Swiss said.
But the American fought back in the second, leveling the set 3-3 and 4-4 before the pain made it difficult to continue. Federer took the final two games for the victory.
“What a week its been for me,” said the Swiss. “I’m just so happy right now. It’s unbelievable. I played here in 1999 for the first time and here I am in 2019. It means a lot to me.”
Only American Jimmy Connors, with 109, has more career singles titles.
Even before the injury slowed Isner, Federer was the master, tempering Isner’s big serves and winning 32 of 35 points on his own serve.
Federer elected to receive to open the match and the strategy paid off as he broke Isner.
The American held on the third game but Federer took the next four. Isner played much better in the second set, but in the end the pain became to much for him to mount an effective defense.
Barty claims biggest prize
Ashleigh Barty’s transformation is complete after the Australian defeated Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova 7-6(1) 6-3 to win the biggest singles title of her career at the Miami Open.
The 22-year-old Aussie quit tennis five years ago after finding the mental grind of the tour too much to bear, turning to cricket in a bid to find sporting happiness. Barty, however, knew she had the tennis skills to compete at the very top and after returning in February 2016, has taken her career to an elite level, culminating in her first-ever WTA Premier Mandatory title to follow on from the US Open doubles crown she won last September. — Agencies
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