Isner lands maiden title

American John Isner secured his first ATP title by defeating French veteran Arnaud Clement 6-3 5-7 7-6 in the Heineken Open final.

American triumphs in Heineken Open final

American John Isner secured his maiden ATP title by defeating French veteran Arnaud Clement 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-2) in the Heineken Open final. The 24-year-old made several errors in the service-dominated match, but delivered 22 aces to see off Clement, despite the Frenchman firing eight of his own. Isner wrapped up the first set with a single service break in the eighth game but Clement fought back to draw level, taking the only break of the second set in the 12th game. The American replied with a 6-2 lead in the tie-breaker, sealing the match with a powerful forehand on his first match point. The title win completes a sudden rise up the rankings for Isner, who has climbed more than 100 places to world number 33. He will face Italian Andreas Seppi in the first round of the Australian Open, which gets underway on Monday.