KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 23: John Isner returns a shot to Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic during the Miami Open Presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 23, 2018 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

After having a win-less January, John Isner is back to his winning ways. In a surprise run, Isner reached his fourth masters final in Miami. In each of his three masters finals, he faced red hot players in fantastic form. Can the same be said about Alexander Zverev? And is this Isner’s best chance to win his first masters title?

Out of form?

Both Zverev and Isner started out their season in poor form, with a slight shift when Zverev reached the semis of the Mexican Open. However, he crashed out in his first match in Indian Wells.

Isner on the other hand hasn’t gotten past the round of sixteen in any tournament apart from Miami. By reaching the finals, he jumped from #293 in the race to London to 16th, with a win guaranteeing a #6 spot. A massive improvement, but it also goes on to show how poorly he’s been performing this season.

Is this the best he’s ever returned?

Isner has historically been a very poor returner. In Miami however, he’s won over 35% of his returns of serve. His win loss when he’s achieved that percentage is 93-2, which is unprecedented.

Overall too, his groundstrokes are looking stronger than usual. This can be attributed to the slower surface in Miami. Slower surfaces tend to suit Isner because it allows him to return better, and the higher bounce allows him to position himself in such a way that his shots have more depth and raw power.

Can he win?

Yes! While he’s never won against Zverev in their past three meetings (with one including a match in Miami just last year), Isner’s return has been on fire lately and with his groundstrokes being one kink in his armour that is now leaps and bounds better. Isner now has the upper hand, especially because Zverev’s serve is highly predictable and lacks good placement.

Isner to win in three sets.