Citi Open, Washington

Men’s Semifinal: [CR18] John Isner (USA) vs. [CR55] Steve Johnson (USA)

Two Americans competed fiercely against each other for the opportunity to get to a final. Unfortunately there could be only one winner. Sport of any kind tests your loyalty. You are never an unbiased spectator because there is always an athlete(s) or team(s) that you favor. I try to always root for American players in international events; however, I must confess, there are a few non-American tennis players that I really like and it does test my loyalty when they play a fellow American. I also struggle when two Americans play each other, because I foolishly want them both to win, impossible I know.

A true fan wants to see a quality performance; thus, I was pleased to see that Isner and Johnson gave everything and then some in an effort to win this match. There was no quit in either player.  Sometimes in tennis, it’s a matter of inches and a point here or there is the difference between victory and defeat. The critical points went Isner’s way tonight and he defeated Johnson 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(9). Isner is into his second consecutive final and will face Kei Nishikori. Isner won their only encounter, which was earlier this year. Will he make it second time lucky to collect his second title of the season? If he does, he will keep his streak alive of winning two titles a year since 2011.