John Isner aims to break the 'Casino Curse' when he takes on Olivier Rochus in the final of the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships tonight.
Isner's serving has predictably been the hallmark of his success so far this week. Prior to this event, the big American had not made an ATP final since Atlanta, almost twelve months ago. But with the help of 54 aces he has toughed it out through the top half of the draw, defeating Tobias Kamke 7-5, 7-6 on Saturday to make the final without dropping a set.
This is Rochus' second successive Newport final. He came close last year, cruising through to the final without dropping a set before losing 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to an in-form Mardy Fish.
The sixth seed ended hopes of an all-American final yesterday by dismissing qualifier Michael Yani 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour. However he is under no illusions of the step up in class he faces against Isner.
"Playing against John in the final will be tough. He's got a big serve and he also plays well from the back," he mused. "But I have nothing to lose and I will try to return his serve as best as I can, so we'll see what happens."
They have played just once before with Isner winning 6-4, 7-5 in Miami qualifying two years ago.
Prediction: Isner in 3.
