Mardy Fish and John Isner clash in a repeat of last year's final at the Atlanta Tennis Championships.
Fish has cruised through this week without even dropping a set and he eased past 19 year old Ryan Harrison 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday night. Harrison was expected to provide his toughest challenge of the week but he hardly got a look in on Fish's dominant serve.
Isner's progress through the draw could hardly be more contrasting. Like last year, the 6'9 American has often had to do things the hard way. James Blake pushed him to the brink in round two and Gilles Muller gave him another serious test in the semi-finals, eventually going down 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
It's been a productive month for Isner who disappointed his fans during the first six months of the season. After some giant leaps in 2010, it looked like being a barren season but he won the Newport title a couple of weeks ago and that confidence is seeing him through these tight matches right now.
Fish leads 2-1 on the head-to-head, winning last year's final 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 and against in San Jose two years ago. However Isner edged him on the clay of Madrid 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 earlier this year and although it's a completely different surface, now he has the confidence of knowing he can beat his compatriot.
Prediction: Isner in three.
