[Filo V.]

Very competitive, entertaining, well played match from both sides. Isner's serve and the difference in power between the two made the main difference. Pico struggled throughout the match to hold serve, especially from the middle of the first set onward, and did a great job hanging in and fighting, and playing with more authority and aggression when it looked like Isner was going to take total control during several periods in the second set, especially in saving three match points before finally succumbing. Pico also did a better job than most at returning Isner's serve but John overall served great in the match. Isner did a great job of saving two 15-40 situations in the middle of both sets with huge serves. Isner also improved his returning as the match went onward, as Pico got too predictable with his serves to Isner's BH.

He's really improved his entire game and has a great shot at the SF here. His forehand is a huge shot and his backhand, consistency from the baseline and movement have improved dramatically. And no-one on tour has the second serve that Isner possesses.

Excellent match, I think the best one of the tournament thus far beside GGL's upset over Murray.

 

[martinatreue]

Thanks John for taking out the Nadulltard-player trash!

 

[Lestat]

choker as always this monaco.
nothing new here.

 

[henke007]

Great match from clutchner, saved 15-40 2 times and broke 1 time in each set. Looking good the big man

 

[scarecrows]

big John so clutch on big points

Monaco gifted a few points now and then though, especially the DF to give Isner the last MP was crucial

 

[green25814]

choker as always this monaco.
nothing new here.

How did Monaco choke?

I wish that word could be censored. Clowns have no idea what it means.

 

[Yves.]

Good match! Entertaining tennis.

 

[Filo V.]

Pico didn't choke, the pressure got to him. He was having to struggle on serve every single service game, and Isner raised the level of his returning at the end of both sets. Especially the second set, Isner started cracking returns from both the BH and FH. Pressure ended up showing itself. If you want to call it a choke, then it's a choke induced by Isner.

 

[Dead Net Cord]

Was it only me who heard the mobile phone tune during 4th match point?

 

[_Chaz]

How did Monaco choke?

I wish that word could be censored. Clowns have no idea what it means.

You're so right on that.
Monaco struggled in almost every service game, or rather say Isner was into every return game (in the 2nd set he won more points on return than on serve in total, percentaged of course not) while Big John held easily so Monaco was under pressure all the time. He could have also got broken right at the start of the 2nd, then nobody would take about that "choke" here which wasn't one actually.
And by the way the first 2 MPs were saved with great play by Monaco (going to the net twice and once hitting a good overhead and the other time a good dropshot I think) so it's not like he went down without a fight, Isner was just better.

 

[Lestat]

Pico didn't choke, the pressure got to him. He was having to struggle on serve every single service game, and Isner raised the level of his returning at the end of both sets. Especially the second set, Isner started cracking returns from both the BH and FH. Pressure ended up showing itself. If you want to call it a choke, then it's a choke induced by Isner.

he choked then.

 

[SapELee]

:yeah: John

 

[Ackms421]

Isner is looking so sharp lately. His movement looks better than adequate (saying a lot for someone his size) and other posters are right in that his backhand is, at times, a weapon. Of course the serve and forehand are always there. If he can be a tad smarter (more consistent) from the baseline, he may actually have his chances to beat some top players.

This is great. He actually has a shot at the top ten. If Roddick was still around (in a stronger sense) we'd have potential for three Americans in the top ten. I can't think of the last time that happened.

 

[samanosuke]

I am giving vcash to everyone who opens a thread before flyboy

 

[TennisOnWood]

Few more good results and Top 10 is yours

 

[Sunset of Age]

Good job, Isner! :yeah:

I am giving vcash to everyone who opens a thread before flyboy

I wouldn't even dare to try it.

 

[Deathless Mortal]

I am giving vcash to everyone who opens a thread before flyboy

Belludal defeated him yesterday with the Bellucci def. Melzer thread.

 

[Rovi]

As expected Isner beat Monaco.The guy looks in good form lately.

 

[navy75]

I've also got Isner going to the SF. If you get to see him in person soon, you will be even more amazed at his movement for his size.

 

[Sonja1989]

Well done John!! :hug: