John Isner takes on close friend James Blake tonight in Atlanta. Watch the match live for free.

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Isner is arriving at Atlanta full of confidence after breaking the legendary ‘Casino Curse’ of Rhode Island, becoming the first top seeds since the 1970s to win the Newport grass-court event a couple of weeks ago.

“Up to last week, the year had been kind of a disappointment so it was good to get that win under my belt. It takes a lot of pressure off so I can go out there and free up and just play,” Isner told the press on his arrival in Atlanta.

Things are looking up for the 6’9 American who will receive plenty of crowd support this week after his past feats for the nearby University of Georgia in the collegiate leagues. They spurred him on to make the final in 2010, losing a tight match in sweltering conditions to Mardy Fish.

“This is definitely a kind of a hometown feel for me given all the Georgia fans in this area and in this state,” he said. “I remember all the support I had last year and it was phenomenal so I hope to get that same support this year. That’s one of the main reason I played well and made it all the way to the final last year.”     
Blake scored a confidence boosting win over Ernests Gulbis on Monday night and Isner is preparing for a potential late night epic against his good friend and doubles partner this week.
 
“We practise with each other all the time so I know James about as well as anybody,” he said. “There will be be no secrets, just whoever is better on the day is going to win.”

Prediction: Isner in three