|
The 23-year-old Australian followed victories
over multiple grand slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal
with a hard-fought win over Isner, the American who sits 63
places above him in the world rankings.
Break points and chances were few and far between in sultry
conditions on Mexico's Pacific coast with each player struggling
to find that little bit extra.
Isner won more points on serve and return overall but the
temperamental Aussie came through when it mattered, particularly
in the third set tiebreak, which he finished with a masterful
drop shot from the base line.
He will next meet world number three Zverev, who beat Briton
Cameron Norrie 7-6(0) 6-3 in the earlier semi-final.
Zverev, who has won nine ATP titles in the last two years, was
just too good for the 23-year old Briton and at one stage won 24
of the 30 points on offer.
The German, 21, has not lost a set all week in an impressive
charge towards the final, his first of 2019.
"It was very tough. It was pretty windy out here, not easy
conditions, and his game actually I think fits the wind quite
well, so it was not easy," Zverev said.
"I'm just happy to be through. At this stage, you've got to win
matches, no matter how. I'm just happy to be in the final."
Kyrgios and Zverev have shared the spoils of their previous six
meetings with three victories each, however, Zverev won their
previous two matches last year.
(Reporting by Andrew Downie; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
