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

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.
Top seed gone!@Taylor_Fritz97 in absolute control as he tops fellow American Isner 7-6(3) 7-6(5).#ASBClassic pic.twitter.com/3nyzHtjY0R
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 9, 2019
“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.
"For me, my best trophies are your support"
A true friend of the @ASB_Classic for 14 years, @DavidFerrer87 is recognised in a special ceremony. #ASBClassic pic.twitter.com/frH0PRi90q
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 9, 2019
“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.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Ten facts about Kyle Edmund on his birthday, featuring Liverpool, Ricky Ponting and Drake
-
Top 10 biggest questions ahead of 2019 season – what next for Roger Federer?
-
Tennis betting preview: Alex de Minaur to wow fans again in Sydney
-
Tennis365’s A to Z of tennis for December: An ‘arrogant’ Lleyton Hewitt, a Fedal reunion and more
-
-
Latest
-
News
Players were made aware of isolation risks on arrival to Australia – Craig Tiley
Forty seven players will have to remain in their hotel rooms for 14 days.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray’s waiting game as anger mounts after tennis players fly in for Australian Open
Andy Murray is waiting to see if there is any way he compete in the Australian Open after testing positive for Covid-19.
-
News
Positive Covid cases on flights to Australia put 47 players in 14-day quarantine
Three people across two chartered flights carrying the Open hopefuls tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in Melbourne.
-
Tennis News
Bernard Tomic still has drive to compete, saying ‘I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money’
“I’m risking my life, and I’m playing and competing.”
-
Tennis News
Dominic Thiem: ‘My wish for 2021 is to win a second Grand Slam title’
Dominic Thiem eyes a second Grand Slam trophy.
-
Australian Open
VIDEO and PICS: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams among tennis stars to arrive in Australia
This way for a video and pics of arrivals in Australia.
-
Australian Open
Official insists no special Australian Open treatment for Andy Murray after positive COVID-19 result
Andy Murray warned he won’t get preferential treatment.
-
Australian Open
Madison Keys latest player to miss Australian Open charter flight after testing positive for coronavirus
Madison Keys unlikely to play at Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray in race against time to play at Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19
Andy Murray tests positive for coronavirus – report.
-
News
Andy Murray Australian Open appearance in doubt after positive test for Covid
Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.