Isner Beats Anderson and the Heat to Advance in Atlanta

ATLANTA--It may not look pretty and is usually a struggle, but more often than not John Isner finds a way to advance.

As previously evidenced by his 11-hour plus Wimbledon marathon, Isner has again proved he's one of the toughest opponents on the ATP Tour in Atlanta.

Saturday, Isner battled a determined opponent and extreme heat on the court to advance to Sunday's Atlanta Tennis Championship's finals at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

If playing South African Kevin Anderson wasn't enough, the heat on the court was over 140 degrees at times.  But Isner conserved his energy when he had to, and received the benefit of some cloud cover in the 3rd set.

Isner had a match point in the 2nd set, but couldn't convert.

"That sure would've made life easier for me, if I could've won in two," laughed Isner after the match.

"I give credit to my coach and trainer.  We train long days in the Tampa heat, kind of like football training camp", added the 6'9" Isner.

Isner agreed when a reporter pointed out that Anderson was giving him a taste of his own medicine with the high kicking serves. Isner, Anderson, and Ivo Karlovic are the three tallest players on the ATP Tour, and when any combination of the three play it's always something fun to watch.

Isner improved his professional record against Anderson to 3-1 as he advanced to face another American, Mardy Fish in the finals.

As if Isner didn't have enough tennis on Saturday, about 6:15 in the evening Isner and James Blake took to the court for a doubles semi-final against Rajeev Ram and Scott Lipsky. Isner and Blake fell in straight sets, but Isner said he'll be ready for another long battle on Sunday.

"It won't be 11 hours, so I should be okay", smiled isner as he left the press conference.