Isner wins again; Shapovalov loses at ASB Classic

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Two-time champion John Isner edged Briton Kyle Edmund 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) to reach the semifinals of the ASB Classic.

Fourth-seeded Isner was also taken to two tiebreakers by compatriot Tennys Sandgren in the second round before winning 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-3. He again showed an ability to step up on key points in Thursday’s quarterfinal.

Second-seeded Canadian Denis Shapovalov double faulted on set point in the first set and match point in the second to hand a 7-5, 6-4 victory to France’s Ugo Humbert.

Isner had 25 aces and showed resilience in a match that had no breaks of serve, hinging on a handful of points in the tiebreakers.

“I’m happy with how I played in that second set, especially toward the very end of the match,” Isner said. “That match point I played very aggressively and very well.”

Shapovalov’s match with Humbert also pivoted on a couple of points in each set. There no breaks in the first set until the 12th game when the Canadian double faulted on set point.

The second set went the same way when Shapovalov faced match point in the 10th game and inexplicably double faulted to give Humbert a massive win.

“I’m really, really happy about this win, one of the biggest wins of my career,” Humbert said.

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