Top-seeded John Isner won the Atlanta Open on Sunday, beating second-ranked Kevin Anderson of South Africa in three tight sets in the tallest final in ATP history.
The 2.06-metre Isner, who lost in the Atlanta final in 2010 and ’11 to fellow American Mardy Fish, won his seventh career title 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2). Anderson is 2.03m.
Isner rallied to win two of the three tiebreakers, pushing his ATP-best tiebreaker record to 27-6.
All three sets were played on serve, and Anderson lost serve only once in four matches.
In the third-set tiebreaker, however, Isner scored off four Anderson serves to win 7-2. The last point came when Anderson sent a backhand into the net.
Isner will move up from his world No.22 ranking and likely pass Sam Querry (20) as the top American. Isner is 6-3 against Anderson, who began the tournament ranked No.21.
Isner earned $US98,700 ($A107,400), and Anderson took home $US52,000. ($A56,600).