Delray Beach Open Recap: Isner, Tiafoe Fall in Quarterfinals

January 12, 2021 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo credit: Andrew Patron/BigShots courtesy of Delray Beach Open

 

The Delray Beach Open singles field was narrowed down to four players after Monday’s quarterfinal matches, which featured two upsets as second-seed John Isner and eighth-seed Frances Tiafoe were both ousted.

American Sebastian Korda took out Isner 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, hanging on as he saved three match points in the final game before closing it out to advance to his first career ATP semfinal.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but I’d say it’s definitely super rewarding for me,” said Korda. “I’m in my first semifinal, so it’s awesome for me.”

Korda will play Cameron Norrie of Great Britain, who defeated Tiafoe 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 to secure his spot in the semifinals.

“It was tough for me to kind of hold on there, but I managed to play some big points under pressure and then sneak over the line,” said Norrie. “Just real fortunate to get through, but came up clutch on my serve and stayed pretty focused throughout the whole match, so I’m real proud of myself.”

American qualifier Christian Harrison continued his run in Delray Beach with a 7-6(2), 6-4 over Italian Gianluca Mager on Monday to reach his first-tour level semifinal. Awaiting him for a spot in the championship is Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. The fourth-seed defeated Ecuadorian qualifier Roberto Quiroz 6-4, 6-4 in his quarterfinal match on Monday.

“It’s going to be interesting because obviously winning so many matches here, Christian has a lot of confidence,” said Hurkacz. “He’s been playing really well. I mean, after what he came from (with) so many surgeries, I’m glad he’s in this spot, and I’m happy to play against him.”

Harrison will pull double-duty on Tuesday as after his singles semifinal against Hurkacz during the day session, he will return to play his doubles semifinal, alongside his brother Ryan.

Below is the schedule for Tuesday at the Delray Beach Open:

Stadium Court  – 12:30 p.m. EST

Ariel Behar/Gonzalo Escobar vs. Mackenzie McDonald/Tommy Paul

Christian Harrison vs. (4) Hubert Hurkacz


Night Session – not before 6:00 p.m. EST

Christian Harrison/Ryan Harrison vs. Andres Molteni/Hugo NYS

Cameron Norrie vs. Sebastian Korda

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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