Sinner the winner as big-serving Isner bows out in SW19
By Charlie Stong on No.2 Court at Wimbledon
Jannik Sinner bt John Isner 6-4, 7-6, 6-3.
Andy Murray’s conqueror John Isner is out of Wimbledon after a straight sets defeat to Italy’s Jannik Sinner on No.2 Court this evening.
Isner ended the Brit’s hopes at this year’s Championship’s on Wednesday, but could not repeat his Centre Court heroics as the number 10 seed won 6-4, 7-6, 6-3.
Isner’s big serve was holding up in the early stages – and indeed rescuing him from some precarious positions. He served four consecutive aces after being 0-30 down in just the third game of the match.
However he was broken two service games later, hitting a weak effort into the net on break point.
Sinner held the decisive 10th game, hitting a beautiful drop shot to make it 15-0, and another on set point which Isner could only just about get to, leaving the Italian with an easy shot to take the set.
Both players’ serve was near faultless in the second set, which would be decided on a tie-break.
In the breaker Sinner moved ahead 3-2 thanks to Isner netting on his own serve. Sinner then held his two points to move 5-2 ahead.
Isner then held the next two but then hit a forehand wide to bring up set point for the Italian, who duly took it when Isner’s service return was long.
At 3-2 to Sinner in the third set the match had still seen only one break of serve – the Italian finishing off this game with a delightful drop shot when Isner was at the back of the court.
In the next game the American had a glimmer of an opportunity by taking the first point, but Sinner responded calmly to make it 4-3 in his favour.
Sinner was standing almost next to the line judges he was that far back on the Isner serve, and the tactic took him to 4-3, 30-30 – crunch time for Isner.
Sinner then got to an Isner touch volley and planted it down the line to set up break point, but Isner just about kept himself in the match with a decent volley at the net.
However Sinner hit a stunning return from the very next point and broke when his return to the American’s toes from a second serve was too good – Isner only able to volley wide.
And Sinner ensured there was no drama late on as he easily served out for the win.
Pictured top: Action from No.2 Court (Picture: Charlie Stong)