The BB&T Atlanta Open 2013 now extends to the semifinal round with rivals John Isner and Lleyton Hewitt playing each other again for the final spot for the second time in two weeks.
Isner bowed out to Hewitt in an action-packed three-set semifinal duel a week ago in Newport. However, with superb all-around tennis in Atlanta, the 28-year old American has gained another chance to make some payback against the former world's no.1.
Isner booked his place in the final with a 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5) win over former top-10 netter James Blake while Hewitt secured a second consecutive trip in the final four after grinding out 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory over no.3 seed Ivan Dodig on Friday.
Hewitt, who made an early trip to the United States several weeks ago to keep him prepared for the hard-court season, has a significant 5-1 career head-to-head advantage over Isner.
Isner's last victory over Hewitt happened a year ago in Newport when the American took a 7-6(1), 6-4 win in the final of the grass-court tournament.
Still, predicting the outcome of the match won't be easy at all. Isner and Hewitt are both veterans with years of experience in playing elite level competition. This match is going to be competitive right from the start and it won't be a surprise if it ends up in another nerve-wracking finish.
The second match of Saturday's semis double header features up-and-coming Kevin Anderson of South Africa and American youngster Ryan Harrison. It will be the first time the two will play each other, so another classic might be in the offing.
Meanwhile, Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska and American Jamie Hampton are featured in an interesting semis battle at the 2013 WTA Tour Bank of the West Classic.
Radwanska, the no.1 seed in the tournament, is gunning for her 13th career singles title but she has to overcome the challenge of her 23-year old American opponent first before she goes all the way for the title in Sunday's finale.
T.V Schedule and Live Streaming
Coverage of the Atlanta Open semis will begin at 4:00 p.m ET on ESPN 2 while the semis of Bank of the West Classic is scheduled at 10:00 p.m ET on ESPN 3.
Online streaming will be available on ESPN Watch for American Audience only. Live scores and results will be available on ESPN Tennis/Score
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