WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina Aug 25 AP – Defending champion John Isner advanced to the Winston-Salem Open final on Friday, beating France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6 7-6.

Isner, ranked 10th and seeded third in the final tournament before the US Open, will face the winner of the second semi-final between second-seeded Tomas Berdych and seventh-seeded Sam Querrey.

Isner had 24 aces against the top-seeded Tsonga to reach his fourth final of the season. The American won the grass-court event last month in Newport, Rhode Island.

“I’m playing in the final match, and I’m very, very happy to be able to do that,” said Isner, 9-0 in Winston-Salem matches.

“I made it a little more stressful on myself with all the break points, but in the end I’m happy to get through it. It could’ve been easier, but it never is when we play each other.”

The Winston-Salem final berth continued Isner’s strong run leading up to the US Open, where he is the ninth seed. Beginning with his win at Newport last month, Isner has advanced to the quarterfinals or better in his past four events.