John Isner looks to set up a potential fourth round clash with Rafael Nadal if he can get past Feliciano Lopez at the Australian Open.
Isner battled past David Nalbandian in a memorable second round clash a couple of days ago, winning 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5), 10-8 in just under five hours. However the victory was not without a touch of controversy as Nalbandian was incensed at the umpire's refusal to let him challenge a contentious call on break point at 8-8.
It was an incredible effort from the 6'9 American who was suffering with cramp in the fifth set and visibly restricted in his movement. The big question mark will be whether he's recovered enough in time to be 100% against Lopez.
However Isner was confident regarding his chances of making the last sixteen. "I played him somewhat recently. I played him in Paris and he didn't make many first serves. I was able to win that match pretty easily. I think he would say he did not play his best. I know he didn't," he told the press.
"But he's a tough, lefty, and he can do a lot with his serve and a lot with his slice backhand and he's aggressive. It's just both to be a fun match, for sure."
In contrast to Isner's toil, Lopez has enjoyed a couple of straight sets wins so far. This will surely give him an edge and our prediction is for him to take it in four.
