Lu Pulls Off Upset Over Ferrer to Meet Isner for Auckland Title
January 10, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal
Third-seeded John Isner reached the finals of the Heineken Open on Friday in Auckland, defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in the semifinals. In the finals, Isner will meet upset winner and world number 62 Yen-Hsun Lu, who pulled off a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over three-time defending Heineken Open champion and world number three David Ferrer.
"I was a bit erratic. I felt like I made a lot of mistakes out there," said Isner, the 2010 Heineken Open champion. "I was missing some forehands that I don't normally miss. But at the same time, my opponent was simply playing better than me for the majority of that match. I just stuck with it mentally."
Lu is looking to win his first ATP World Tour title having reached his first final, having dropped just one set in four matches this week in Auckland. Isner is through to his 17th ATP World Tour final and holds an overall 7-9 record over that span. Lifetime against Lu, Isner captured the only victory in the match played between the two. In reaching his first ATP World Tour final, Lu ended Ferrer's quest for a record fifth Auckland title.
"It's my first final on the ATP World Tour," said Lu post-match. "Beating a top 10 guy gives me a lot of confidence."
