Isner, Harrison To Face off for Atlanta Title

It’s deja-vu in the Peach State, where for the second consecutive year, eight-time finalist and defending champion John Isner will take on compatriot and Davis Cup teammate Ryan Harrison in the final of the BB&T Atlanta Open. 

Isner, the top seed in Atlanta, secured his spot in the final after besting No. 4 seed Matt Ebden, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1, in Saturday's first semifinal.

"It was tough," Isner said after his win. "Just like yesterday, I was able to get out early in the third set, and that definitely took some pressure off. I'm very happy to be back in the final here."

At 33, Isner is in impeccable form, having entered Atlanta fresh off of his semifinal run at Wimbledon. Earlier this year, the 6-foot-10 veteran took home the trophy at the Masters Series event in Miami, and he is currently sitting at No. 9 in the ATP World Tour rankings, after reaching a career-high No. 8 just two weeks ago. 

Historically, Isner has posted impressive results on the US Open Series, especially in Atlanta, where the former University of Georgia Bulldog holds four titles (2013-15, 2017).  

In 2017, Isner toppled Harrison, 7-6, 7-6, in the final, claiming his fourth Atlanta title in one hour, 47 minutes. 

Harrison, seeded No. 8 in the tournament, advanced to his second straight final in Atlanta, after defeating world No. 73 Cameron Norrie, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, Saturday night. 

The No. 53-ranked Harrison will be making his second final appearance in 2018, having fallen to Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in the Brisbane championship in January.