Tennis: Isner stuns Djokovic at Indian Wells

Federer downs Nadal in semi-final, will face American in final.

INDIAN WELLS: Hard-serving American John Isner’s remarkable run continued as he stunned world number one Novak Djokovic to book an Indian Wells final showdown with Roger Federer.

World number 11 Isner fired his 20th ace of the match to topple defending champion and top seed Djokovic 7-6 (9/7), 3-6, 7-6 (7/5).

Isner’s first victory over a world number one ensures he will move into the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time.

“Not many people can say they’ve ever beaten the number one player in the world,” said the 26-year-old American Isner. “I’ll always be able to say that.

“I am just going to keep on riding this wave I’m on and see how far it can take me.

“The stadium was packed, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house, and everyone was on their feet. It was very special when that last ball went by him and I knew I had won the match.”

For Djokovic, 24, it marked a second straight semi-final defeat after he fell at the same stage in Dubai to Andy Murray earlier this month.The reigning Australian Open champion is now 14-2 on the season.

“It’s frustrating when somebody serves over 70 per cent of the first serves in and with that angle and with that speed and accuracy,” said Djokovic.

“But I played him before. I knew I had to stay patient and just wait for the chance. I had some chances. I didn’t use them.”

Federer outclasses Nadal

Meanwhile, the world number three used an ace on match point to seal a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Rafael Nadal as the two renewed their epic rivalry with their first meeting at the Indian Wells Masters.

One of the sport’s great rivalries was on display in the second semi-final between which started three and a half hours late and was played in difficult windy and rainy conditions.

“It was a great match in tough conditions,” said Federer. “It was so difficult but I couldn’t be more happy.”

The Spaniard said he could not overcome Federer’s quick start before the wind and rain on centre court troubled him.

“He started the match playing unbelievable,” said Nadal. “At the beginning it wasn’t windy and I was able to play with some tactics.

“But later the wind started and it became difficult.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2012.