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Mardy Fish Sinks John Isner to Repeat in Atlanta
By Richard Lucas
Photo Credit Mark Howard
 (July 24, 2011) The big serve of World No. 35 John Isner was not enough to dethrone defending champion Mardy Fish who emerged victorious 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-2 in two hours 16 minutes. The win is Fish's sixth career title and fifth on US soil.
The first set was tight, with the World No. 9 Fish hitting four aces and losing only five points on serve. Isner made those points count, stacking them in one game and converting his second break chance for the only break of the set.
The second set was more of the same efficient serving from Fish, who hit seven more aces and surrendered seven points on serve, but was again broken on the only opportunity Isner saw. Fish took advantage of his superior return game to force a tiebreak after breaking Isner on his first chance.
After pulling through a tight tiebreak to level the match at a set each, Fish appeared to roll with the momentum, breaking Isner twice in three opportunities. Once again, Fish lost only four points on serve, but did need to save two break chances.
Isner was looking for his second title in a row after taking the crown in Newport last week where he beat Olivier Rochus in the final. Fish will hope to continue this recent streak next week in Los Angeles where his best showing was a semifinal appearance in 2008.
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