On Tuesday, at the Australian Open, 6'10'' John Isner went up against 6' 8'' Jerzy Janowicz in a first round matchup. A matchup of big servers, ended with the American as the victor. A 6-3, 7-6(7), 6-3 win over the 56th ranked Pole sends the American to the second round.
The story of the match was Isner's dominating presence on serve. The 6'10" giant hit a whooping 37 aces on the day and faced no break points. In addition, no double faults were committed. Janowicz had no answers for his opponent as his strength of serving was not enough to keep him in it. The difference was Isner's two of four conversion rate on break points that helped him get over the hump and stay in command of the match the whole way through.
Isner Cruises Early On
In the first set, both players were wetting their feet as they were getting their first Grand Slam action of the 2016 season. Isner got his serve going early on hitting nine aces and keeping the Pole way back on the baseline. Both players traded service games but it only took one break point the entire set for Isner to get the sole break. From their the American number one played in autopilot, utilizing his textbook game based around his massive serve. Isner wrapped up the set 6-3 in a quick 27 minutes.
Tight Set Goes To Isner
Both players traded two service holds to start out the second set. With no traction on the American's serve, Janowicz started tightening up on his service games while valuing each point more. At 2-2 all the ensuing game was a hard fought battle. Both players traded blistering shots and tactical play resulting in a deuce. Janowicz gained the advantage but the world number 11 held his focus by getting to the net and putting away the lob with an overhead winner. Eventually, the Pole hung on for an important hold of serve to get to 3-2.
The American followed it up with an extremely easy hold at love. Janowicz then did one better with a hold at love to stay on serve at 4-3. The return presence from both players was almost vacant as Isner held for another love service game to go to 5-all. Both players again held their cool as Isner served to love to get the set to a tiebreak.
Janowicz upped his intensity as the tiebreak began knowing the importance it had on the match outcome. The Pole stayed focused on each point going up 4-3 early on. An important point led to a 5-3 lead for the world number 56. Isner then came roaring back to get the tiebreak to 6-5 with a huge ace for set point. Janowicz then hit a winner right near the baseline to stay level at 6 a piece. In the end, Isner showed off his experience as the pole broke down with a forehand error to give the tiebreak to Isner, 9-7 and two set advantage.
Isner Finishes Strong
As the 3rd set began, momentum was clearly in the way of the American. A deflated Janowicz came out flat with slow paced shots and a lack of focus. At 0-1 15-40 the Pole could not hold on as he hit a bad forehand error to give the break to the 10th seed. Isner then followed it up with a huge service game, hitting 4 aces to go up 3-0.
At 40-30, 5-3 and match point for the American, Isner made sure he closed out matters as he hit a big ace, his 37th. The 6-3 3rd set gave the 10th seed the victory. Isner pumped himself up and showed enthusiasm as he embraced the crowd on his way to the locker room. With 84 percent of first serves in during the 3rd set, the American would be a nightmare for any opponent on tour.
He now goes on to face world number 80 Marcel Granollers in a favorable 2nd round matchup.