A Fish Fry in Atlanta

ATLANTA- Mardy Fish is back in the top 40 with a victory in The Atlanta Tennis Championships, his second tournament victory in a row.  He is riding a 10 match winning streak heading into Los Angeles this week.

Playing in 100+ degree heat, Fish and fellow American John Isner demonstrated a high quality of tennis throughout the 2 hour and 45 minute match, which was held Sunday afternoon at the Atlanta Athletic Club. 

Isner started off strong, taking the first set 6-4. But the heat started getting to the 6'9" Isner midway into the second set, which is what  Fish needed to get a break, and take the second. 

The final set stayed on serve, and, as is customary in many John Isner matches, it concluded with a tiebreaker. 

It is was Fish who had more in the tank at the end, and he held off his good friend Isner 7-4 in the breaker to secure the title.

It was Fish's first match in the afternoon heat all week.  Isner had played in the heat on Friday and Saturday. as well as a doubles match late on Saturday night.  Still he had nothing but praise and congratulations for Fish.  It was the third final Isner has lost this year and to that he said, "That's hard to swallow."

"I've never won two tournaments in a row, and "I've never won 10 matches in a row," Fish said when asked about his winning streak.

A sell-out crowd celebrated Fish's victory and Isner's effort.  Both said they hope to return next year and again use the Atlanta heat as preparation for the U.S. Open.