Top-seeded John Isner won the Atlanta Open on Sunday, beating second-seeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-7 (3), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) in the tallest final in ATP history.
The 6-foot-10 Isner, who lost in the Atlanta final in 2010 and ‘11 to fellow American Mardy Fish, won his seventh career title. Anderson is 6-foot-8.
Isner rallied to win two 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 tiebreaker, however, Isner scored off Anderson’s first, third, fourth and fifth serves to win 7-2. The last point came when Anderson sent a backhand into the net.
Isner will move up from his world rank of 22 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 $98,700, and Anderson took home $52,000.
