Rhode Island, Jul 15: Top seed and defending champ John Isner advanced to the final at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships by beating fellow American Ryan Harrison 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Saturday.
Isner will face Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in the title match Sunday. Hewitt, a former world No. 1, defeated American Rajeev Ram 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
Isner, ranked 11th, is looking to become the first repeat champion on Newport's grass courts since France's Fabrice Santoro in 2008.
“Last year I wasn't playing well and I came here and I desperately needed wins and confidence,” said Isner, who is aiming for his fourth ATP Tour title.
“This year I'm ranked a lot higher (than last year) but I didn't play well in Europe—simple as that.”
Saturday's matches were held after former pros Jennifer Capriati, Gustavo Kuerten and Manuel Orantes, tennis industry executive Mike Davies and wheelchair champion Randy Snow were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Snow was honored posthumously.
Isner took control by winning the first set tiebreak, improving his tiebreak record to an ATP-best 24-10 this year. So far this week, he's held serve in 46 of 47 chances.
Hewitt, who has endured five surgeries in four years, entered the week ranked 233rd and was looking to accumulate matches in his comeback bid before he represents Australia at the London Olympics.
“It's about getting wins and putting yourself in position,” said Hewitt, who is looking for his 29th ATP title. “I think more than anything it's about self-belief and self-confidence.
“You doubt yourself a little bit more when you're coming back from surgery. You can't just click your fingers and start moving and playing the way you want to play. That's sometimes frustrating.”
Hewitt, a wild card, broke in the third game of the final set to go up 2-1 when he hit a well-placed backhand cross on Ram's second serve.
He then held in the fourth game before breaking again in the fifth to take a commanding lead.
Ram said it was special to face Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam champion.
“I hope I'm still playing when he gets inducted into the Hall of Fame because that's going to happen someday,” Ram said.
