Summary Compatriot Steve Johnson edged the big serving Isner in two tie-breaks
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2016 (AFP) - Frustrated US top seed John Isner crashed out of the ATP and WTA Washington Open in Friday s quarter-finals, falling 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (17/15) to fifth-seeded Steve Johnson.
Isner unleashed a 29-ace barrage at Johnson but failed to capitalize on five set points in the first set and seven in the second.
"Those were very easily tie-breakers I could have won but I didn t," Isner said. "I had countless chances. I did a lot of really great things. I put more pressure on him than he did on me. It didn t pay off.
"I shot myself in the foot in the second set."
Isner made his first double fault on the penultimate point, then smacked a forehand wide to hand Johnson the victory after an hour and 57 minutes.
"It s tough when you play John. He was serving extremely well," Johnson said. "I didn t have any break points. I was able to scrap out the first set. I got very lucky when he double faulted at the end and I was able to close it out."
Johnson, who captured his first ATP title last month at Nottingham, fired 22 aces of his own and denied Isner on six break points to down his countryman for only the second time in six career meetings.
"I was fortunate," Johnson said. "I took my chance and I capitalized."
Johnson, ranked a career-high 25th, next faces another serve smasher in 37-year-old Croatian Ivo Karlovic, who blasted 26 aces to dispatch US sixth seed Jack Sock 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6).
"In the crucial moments I was able to come up with my best shots," Karlovic said. "Hopefully I can use this win for confidence to play well."
Karlovic matched his best Washington run from 2007 by reaching the semi-finals.
"John had 29 aces and Ivo could have as many tomorrow," Johnson said. "You just have to focus on your serve, try and get to tie-breaker and take your chances."
Johnson, who hit a rare lob winner over the lanky Isner in the first tie-breaker, took the first set with a passing forehand winner aided by a tentative shot from Isner, who smashed his racquet in anger.
"It s super frustrating," Isner said. "It has been pretty much how I ve been playing all year. As hard as it is to swallow, it s a positive for me to play the right way and keep the pressure on him."
Isner connected on 85 percent of his first serves but time and again Johnson responded in the 23-minute final tie-breaker.
No American has won the Washington title since Andy Roddick in 2007, with Isner being a three-time runner-up.
