Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Isner downs Sela to retain Atlanta title

Top-seeded John Isner fired 15 aces and broke Dudi Sela twice to win a second straight Atlanta ATP title.

John Isner, of the United States
Top-seeded John Isner (pic) fired 15 aces and broke Dudi Sela to win a second Atlanta ATP title. (AAP)

Top-seeded John Isner has won his second straight Atlanta ATP title with a 6-3 6-4 victory over unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela.

Isner fired 15 aces and broke Sela twice in Sunday's 71-minute encounter, remaining unbeaten in three career contests with Sela.

Isner nabbed his ninth ATP title and a second Atlanta crown.

His triumph over South African Kevin Anderson in last year's title match came after runner-up finishes to Mardy Fish in 2010 and 2011.

But the world number 12 had to fight his way through this week. In his opening match against fellow American Robby Ginepri, Isner fought off two match points en route to a 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 win.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Sunday's victory gave Isner the lead in the US Open Series bonus challenge standings.

The top three finishers will vie for up to $US1 million ($A1.08 million) in bonus prize money at the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year that starts in Flushing Meadows next month.

"This is my favourite time of year," Isner said of the hardcourt season in his homeland.

"I'm off to a very good start again. I look forward to playing Washington DC again. I've played well there my whole career."

Sela had advanced to his first ATP World Tour final in almost six years, defeating ninth-seeded Sam Querrey and fourth-seeded Vasek Pospisil en route to the title match.

He lost in the 2008 Beijing final to now-retired Andy Roddick.


2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world