Roger Federer WINS Miami Open title in straight sets against injured John Isner
ROGER FEDERER beat John Isner 6-1 6-4 to win his 101st career title at the Miami Open, recap all the action with Express Sport.
Miami Open: Roger Federer celebrates defeating Isner in final
Roger Federer beats John Isner 6-1 6-4 to win Miami Open
Roger Federer wins the Miami Open, his 101st career title.
John Isner struggled to get going before fighting back in the second set.
The American then picked up a knee injury but carried on to finish.
Federer has now won four Miami Open titles
Roger Federer won his second title of the season with a 6-1 6-4 victory over John Isner.
The Swiss imposed his class from the get-go, breaking the holder’s serve three times in the first set.
Things got even tougher though for Isner when he pulled up with an injury.
Federer made no mistake in the final games of the second set as he won his 101st career title.
Recap all the action below…
Isner congratulates Federer
“Roger, congrats, you were entirely too good today,” he said.
“You were entirely too good this whole tournament. You were entirely too good your entire career.
“It’s absolutely incredible what you’re doing.
“We’re so lucky to have you in this game.
“We all want you to keep playing and never retire.
“Keep it up man!”
100 + ☝@rogerfederer is the 2019 @MiamiOpen champion ������ pic.twitter.com/dGbESwMI9H
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 31, 2019
Federer expresses his delight on the back of a fantastic week
“It just relaxes your nerves and if you can hold your next game and go up two love you know you’re in the match.
“It would have took something special for the opponent to come back.
“I think the last game wasn’t real anymore. It has been a great week for me.”
Roger Federer wins the Miami Open
Roger Federer 6-4 John Isner (6-1)
Federer has done it! His 101st career title, it was far too easy for him in the end despite Isner's best efforts. The American picked up an injury late in the final set.
That was a professional display from the Swiss, who did not make the same mistakes as he did at Indian Wells.
*Roger Federer 5-4 John Isner (6-1)
John Isner is really struggling here with a knee problem. Looks like he will soldier on...
Roger Federer 4-4 John Isner* (6-1)
Isner has found his mojo now and is making the serve count. This is a superb second set at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Roger Federer 1-1 John Isner (6-1)
Finally Isner makes the most of his devastating serve. Clean sweep there, very impressive.
*Roger Federer 1-0 John Isner (6-1)
Clean service from Federer who is now exercising his forehand too.
Roger Federer 6-1* John Isner
Federer breaks Isner again to take the first set. Already looks a massive task for Isner to win this match.
*Roger Federer 5-1 John Isner
Federer really pinning back Isner now and stamping his authority on this contest.
Roger Federer 4-1 John Isner*
Double break already from Federer, who has started this match very strongly.
*Roger Federer 3-1 John Isner
Federer is serving really well here, Isner struggling to return.
Roger Federer 2-1 John Isner
The American is on the board as he puts his serve and backhand to good use.
*Roger Federer 2-0 John Isner
Federer means business here, this is a promising start from the Swiss.
Roger Federer 1-0 John Isner*
Incredible work from Federer to break Isner's serve, expert of the chipped return.
18:05: Players on court
Here we go, both Federer and Isner are out on court and the match is set to begin shortly.
All the pressure here is on the Swiss as the favourite.
Isner will stay in the top ten whatever the result today, another factor that will taken the pressure off his shoulders.
Roger Federer vs John Isner
Tie-Break Record
H-2-H
4-4
2019 Record
4-2 / 16-10
Miami Career
22-13 / 23-9
Miami 2019
0-0 / 9-0
Now *this* is a Sunday Funday. @rogerfederer @JohnIsner | #miamiopen pic.twitter.com/NRrT351LCy
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) 31 March 2019
Rusedski warns Federer
According to former world No 1 Greg Rusedski, John Isner is not to be underestimated.
“He’s not dropped a set all championship, big John has been playing a blinder from the mental point of view,” he said.
“He’s been saying ‘I’m not defending my title and there’s no expectation here.’
“He’s back in the final and serving better than ever, don’t discount the big American.”
Isner believes he can upset Federer
The American has had a slightly easier route to the final, but he remains confident he can get the better of the Swiss.
“I believe personally that I can win any tournament I enter,” he said ahead of the final.
“[That’s] because of how disruptive I can be and because of how well I can serve at times.
“I’m not surprised that I’m sitting here back in the final again.”
Roger Federer admits he's a 'big fan' of John Isner
Federer aware of Isner’s serve
John Isner has fired 98 aces at the Miami Open and Roger Federer is bracing himself for an avalanche.
“I know what to expect. He will not miss many serves. He’s got an amazing serve, one of the best ever in the game,” he said.
“It’s really hard to play against him. I’m a big fan of his. I actually really enjoy watching him play.
“I love it, I honestly love big servers. To watch them, [wondering] if they are going to ace every second of third point.
“For me that’s exciting because it’s like penalty shootouts in soccer. I’ll be the goalie on Sunday and try to get as many balls back as possible.”
Miami Open: Roger Federer reveals his 'biggest strength'
UPDATE 17:30
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Miami Open final between Roger Federer and John Isner.
Federer is on course to win his 101st career title in Florida, but his American opponent will not be a pushover.
The Swiss has won five of their save encounters and is currently four place ahead (5th) in the latest ATP world rankings.
Inner though is keen to defend his title having won last year’s tournament at the old Crandon Park venue.