Isner three-peats in Atlanta, Bryans make debut a success

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
John Isner is now a back-to-back-to-back champion of the BB&T Atlanta Open after cruising past a hobbled Marcos Baghdatis 6-3, 6-3 in Sunday’s final. Isner fired 13 aces without double-faulting, served at 72 percent, and lost a minuscule three points in nine service games. The 19th-ranked American said afterward that…

Washington and Kitzbuhel previews

Originally posted on Jackhammer Tennis:
Many of the world’s best players are back in action this week as they begin their hard court preparations ahead of the US Open, which starts at the end of this month. Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Marin Cilic and Richard Gasquet are the top four seeds at Rock Creek Park…

Nadal takes Hamburg title in contentious match against Fognini

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
In such a disappointing year for Rafael Nadal, it would have been hard to imagine his winning any title not being the biggest story of the day. But Nadal’s 7-5, 7-5 victory over Fabio Fognini in the bet-at-home Open final managed to get overshadowed. After Fognini broke serve for a…

Fish and Roddick win in Atlanta, Pospisil survives hot three-setter

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
One day after losing his first-round match at the BB&T Atlanta Open, Mardy Fish–a two-time singles champion of the event–found the win column on Wednesday evening. And he did it with an old friend: none other than Andy Roddick. Fish and Roddick teamed up to win their opening doubles match 7-6(2),…

Atlanta R2 previews and picks: Isner vs. Stepanek, Sock vs. Kudla

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Three in-form Americans will be part of second-round action on Thursday in Atlanta. John Isner is facing Radek Stepanek, while Jack Sock and Denis Kudla are set for an intriguing showdown. (1) John Isner vs. (PR) Radek Stepanek The two-time defending champion of the BB&T Atlanta Open, Isner will begin…

Roddick wins Atlanta exhibition, Lu advances in main draw

Originally posted on The Grandstand:
Andy Roddick made his presence felt at the BB&T Atlanta Open on Monday in advance of his main-draw doubles participation with Mardy Fish. A two-hour practice session featured Roddick, Fish, John Isner, and Justin Gimelstob. Roddick mostly watched, giving some occasional tips to Fish and Isner. The 2003 U.S. Open…