INDIAN WELLS, California — John Isner pulled off the biggest win of his career at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday before Roger Federer outplayed long-time rival Rafa Nadal in the other semi-final.
Big-serving American Isner overpowered world number one Novak Djokovic 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 and was expected to face Federer in the final late last night, the Swiss having eased past Spaniard Nadal 6-3, 6-4.
The second semi-final was delayed by three-and-a-half hours because of steady rain before Federer and Nadal came out for their heavily anticipated showdown, the Swiss dominating before sealing victory in one hour, 31 minutes.
Serving for the match at 5-4 and 40-30, Federer was briefly held up by a light sprinkling of rain before he powered down a 125 mph ace, his sixth in all, to book his place in the final. —Reuters