Isner downs Auger-Aliassime to reach 2nd straight Miami Open final

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: John Isner celebrates match point against Felix Auger Aliassime of Canada during day 12 of the Miami Open presented by Itau at Hard Rock Stadium on March 29, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) Defending champion John Isner earned a return trip to the Miami Open final by hitting 21 aces and defeating 18-year-old Canadian qualifier Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) on Friday.

The 33-year-old Isner won his only ATP Masters title a year ago. His opponent Sunday will be the winner of the second semifinal between three-time champion Roger Federer and another Canadian teenager, 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov.

Auger-Aliassime served for both sets, but Isner broke each time by taking advantage of double-faults, and used his big serve to control the tiebreakers. Nine of the 10 sets Isner has played in the tournament have gone to a tiebreaker, and he has won each one.

Auger-Aliassime was the youngest male semifinalist in the tournament's 35-year history.

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