Tennis Atlantic

Atlanta Semifinal Saturday Preview: Hewitt, Isner Make It Two In A Row; Anderson, Harrison Meet For First Time Ever

John Isner and Lleyton Hewitt will meet for the 2nd tournament in a row in which they have participated, and for the 2nd time in a row for a spot in an ATP final. This time, the meeting will be on hard courts and is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hewitt won the last meeting on grass in Newport 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. When asked about meeting Hewitt in press, Isner stated what makes him such a hard matchup: his quality and consistent return of serve. For a player who relies as much on as his serve as Isner does, that is not good news. Isner stated that he had no preference against Hewitt between grass or hardcourts.

Hewitt has also looked good this week in all 3 of his wins, excluding a first set blip against Ivan Dodig on Friday in the Quarters. The thing about that blip was Dodig outserved him and used power to punch his way in front. Such a strategy would have to be the winning formula for Isner, who has struggled at times, but gotten it done for a pair of wins (one in 3 sets, the other in 2 tiebreaks). Isner has served well, but his groundstrokes and rallying have been sorely lacking, while Hewitt will have to serve, return well, and move well to prevail.

They also met this year in Indian Wells, with Hewitt again coming from a set down to win 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. Isner’s only win against the Aussie came in Newport last year. Hewitt won two other matches in 2010 and 2009, one on clay and one on hard.

The other semifinal, at 8 p.m., will be a first time meeting between Ryan Harrison and Kevin Anderson. The style clash in this match could produce a classic, as Harrison has played well above his dropped ranking this week en route to the semis. Anderson has played two three-setters but wasn’t challenged in either one, beyond giving up a break of serve to drop a set. A lot will come down to how well Harrison returns, how clean he can keep his groundies, and how his legs will hold up.

In doubles, Erlich/Ram will take on Roger-Vasselin/Sijsling, as the Franco/Dutch pairing seek to make their 2nd straight ATP doubles final. Nightcap doubles will feature Fleming/Marray against Guccione/Hewitt, as the Commonwealth Nations do battle.

—Steen Kirby