It was a dream ending for local fans at the Miami Open as John Isner completed the clean sweep of American singles champions in this year’s tournament. The 32-year-old required two-and-a-half hours to overcome fourth seed Alexander Zverev 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, and win his first Masters 1000 title.
In a special podcast for Ubitennis, Hall of Famer Steve Flink joins Ubaldo Scanagatta to look back on this year’s tournament. Isner has become only the third American to win a Masters 1000 title since the category was introduced in 2009. Joining Andy Roddick (Miami 2010) and Jack Sock (Paris 2017).
“I thought it was a very interesting, hard fought, good final between Isner and Zverev.” Flink concluded.
Ubitennis founder Scanagatta believes Zverev’s serve was the key to his downfall. The German produced a total of six double faults in the match and faced 12 break points, saving 10 of them.
“I thought Zverev was in trouble with his serve more a less all the time. I was surprised to also see Isner win some of the longer rallies.” He said.
On the women’s side of the draw, Sloane Stephens returned to winning ways on Saturday. Defeating French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. Since winning her first grand slam title, the 25-year-old suffered an eight-match losing streak before ending the run earlier this year.
“She beat Muguruza, she beat Kerber, she beat Azarenka and she then beat Ostapenko. All of them combined have won a total of seven grand slam titles.” Flink said about Stephens’ run.
“I think she played better tennis here (in Miami) than she did at the US Open.” He later added.
This year is the first time there has been an American champion in both the men’s and women’s draws at the Miami Open since 2004. The Bryan Brothers also won the men’s doubles title.
Away from the court, news broke on Friday of Andre Agassi’s decision to end his collaboration with Novak Djokovic. The two have been working together for ten months during a period where the Serbian has been dealing with an elbow injury. Agassi said he has departed due to disagreements between the two. Although, Djokovic has been yet to comment on the decision.
“I wasn’t surprised because honestly, first of all, I didn’t think it was going to work too much from the beginning. Because of the fact Agassi did not commit himself full time.” Scanagatta commented about the separation.
Later on in the podcast (listen below), the two discuss the pitfalls of having super-coaches in tennis.
