Top-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina overcame a shaky opening set to defeat big-serving American John Isner 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Sunday and win the $1.3 million Citi Open, underscoring his status as a major threat at the upcoming U.S. Open.
Del Potro, playing in his first tournament since losing to Novak Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon semi-final, converted four of six break-point chances to win in just under 90 minutes.
After appearing tired and spraying the ball in the first set, Del Potro played near-flawless tennis the rest of the way to dispatch the eighth-seeded Isner, who won in Atlanta last week and was seeking his third title of the year.
Del Potro had trouble returning Isner’s missile-like serves early in the match but broke the American twice in the second set and in the opening game of the third to emerge victorious.
Stosur captures Carlsbad crown
In Carlsbad, Samantha Stosur beat top-seeded Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday to win the Southern California Open, her first title since the 2011 US Open.