There is no more popular and no more successful player in the five-year history of the BB&T Atlanta Open than John Isner.
The former Georgia Bulldog All-American is the defending champion and the top seed again this year.
When second-seed Kevin Anderson was defeated on Thursday afternoon by Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands, all eyes began to focus on Isner as the odds on favorite to win the ATP World Tour 250 event.
It also put pressure on Isner to advance as he took to the court again another local favorite in Robby Ginepri.
Ginepri, a former ATP top-15 from Kennsesaw, GA, has been battling his way back from injury for the last four years.
The fans in attendance on Thursday night at Atlantic Station got what they wanted in a close three-set match, but the Isner fans also got what they wanted in a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory for the 6’10” UGA grad.
Isner said the slow start was something he kind of expected.
“It’s not easy, coming in playing your first match,” said Isner. “Having a bye is nice, but at the same time you are playing someone that has played a match.”
Isner totalled 30 aces for the match and converted the break point he needed in the eleventh game of the third set.
Isner is back in action on Friday afternoon against Marinko Matesevic of Australia.
Buy tickets and find out more details at www.bbtatlantaopen.com.
RESULTS – JULY 24, 2014
Men’s
Singles – Second Round
[1] J Isner (USA) d [WC] R Ginepri (USA) 46 76(5) 75
[LL] T de Bakker (NED) d [2] K Anderson (RSA) 64 75
B Becker (GER) d [7] Y Lu (TPE) 64 63
[8] M Matosevic (AUS) d T Smyczek (USA) 64 75
Men’s
Doubles – Quarterfinals
[1] V Pospisil (CAN) / J Sock (USA) d B Becker (GER) / F Moser (GER) 64 61
ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014
STADIUM start 12:00 noon
[3] C Guccione (AUS) / J Smith (AUS) vs N Barrientos (COL) / V Estrella Burgos (DOM)
S Johnson (USA) / S Querrey (USA) vs [2] S Gonzalez (MEX) / S Lipsky (USA)
Not Before 4:00 pm
[1] J Isner (USA) vs [8] M Matosevic (AUS)
7:00 pm
J Sock (USA) vs L Lacko (SVK)
Not Before 9:00 pm
D Sela (ISR) vs [4] V Pospisil (CAN)
AJC GRANDSTAND start 6:30 pm
Not Before 6:30 pm
B Becker (GER) vs [LL] T de Bakker (NED)
