Monaco d. Isner, 6-2 3-6 6-3

The Houston tourny just finished, with Juan Monaco (Pico!) taking a 3-sets win over John Isner (who is now the top-ranked American at no. 9).  The Isner-mania has come to a brief lull, although it will surely resume once Madrid starts in May.

Back to the good news, though!  Off a reflexive pass volley, Pico played his consistent style of tennis that frustrated Isner’s attempts to attack.  He broke late in the 3rd set to go up 5*-3 and serve for the title.  This is Pico’s 2nd title of 2012 and he now rises to a career-high ranking of no. 14, which he last achieved in 2008.  This is a fine way to consolidate his impressive SF showing at Miami.  That’s two Argies in the top 15 now — how awesome would it be if one or both of them entered the top 10…