John Isner crashes out in Auckland while Cameron Norrie’s run continues

Shahida Jacobs
John Isner forehand

Top seed John Isner made an early exit from the ASB Classic as he went down to Taylor Fritz while Cameron Norrie booked his place in the quarter-final.

Playing in his first competitive game of the season, Isner was solid on his first serve, but still lost 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) against fellow American Fritz in one hour and 39 minutes.

“I like to think that one of my strengths is playing under pressure and playing the big moments well,” Fritz said.

“More often than not, the matches I lose, that’s where I get let down. So I’m happy to start the year … playing well under pressure and handling those big moments well.”

Up next for Fritz is Norrie after the world No 93 beat Joao Sousa 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.

The Brit saved six break points while he claimed the only break of serve in the entire match in game three of the second set.

Second seed Fabio Fognini came through a three-setter against Peter Gojowczyk to secure his place in the last eight.

The Italian beat Gojowczyk 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) to set up a clash against another German in Philipp Kohlschreiber, who was a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Ugo Humbert of France.

Meanwhile, David Ferrer’s New Zealand farewell tour came to an end as he was forced to retire from his clash against fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

The match lasted only two games before four-time Auckland champion Ferrer twisted his leg.

“Of course it’s disappointing but don’t worry because I’ve had very good memories here, I’m very proud” he told the crowd.

“Remember, I won the last point,” he joked before limping off centre court.

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