US Open: John Isner eyes quarter-final spot but must first overcome Roger Federer

Hard-serving American hopeful of repeating 2012 win over Swiss legend

NEW YORK: American John Isner beat Roger Federer in what he describes as the best win of his career three years ago. Now the American will try to repeat that effort to reach a US Open quarter-final.

Isner advanced after only 75 minutes, leading 6-3, 6-4 when Czech opponent Jiri Vesely retired with a neck injury.

That put Isner in the path of 17-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who dispatched German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in just 93 minutes.

“I’m going to go out there and roll the dice,” said Isner, whose lone win in five tries over the 34-year-old Swiss legend came in a 2012 away Davis Cup tie. “That was the best win of my career and one of the best matches I’ve ever played, hands down. I played extremely well that day and I needed to beat him. I’m going to need to do that again on Monday.”

World number two Federer, who has not won a Slam title since Wimbledon 2012, has defied time with successive runs to the Wimbledon final.

“As he gets older he seems to keep getting better,” said Isner. “He is playing at a very high level right now. I have the utmost respect for him. At the same time, I feel like I can challenge him.”

Konta staying humble

British qualifier Johanna Konta has made a shock run to the fourth round of the US Open, but has not let success change her outlook.

The Australian-born 24-year-old became only the second British woman in 24 years to reach the last-16 on the New York hardcourts by downing German 18th seed Andrea Petkovic 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.

“I feel just as I did two weeks ago. I haven’t exactly grown wings or anything,” said Konta. “I’m happy with how I’ve been playing this week but my feet are firmly on the ground. I haven’t cured cancer or anything.”

Meanwhile, Romanian second seed Simona Halep also reached the last-16 with a 6-2, 6-3 win over American qualifier Shelby Rogers.

Aisam, Muller crash out

Pakistan ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his doubles partner Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller crashed out of the second round at the US Open as they lost in straight sets to local pair Eric Butorac and Scott Lipsky at the men’s doubles event at Court five of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Aisam and Muller fought hard and took the lead in the opening two games but lost their grip as Butarc and Lipsky took the opening set 6-4. The home duo continued to lead the match in the second set and sealed the win 6-4 in an hour and 20 minutes. AFP (with additional input from our correspondent)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th,  2015.

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