BELGRADE, Serbia — Sam Querrey survived a match point as he rallied to beat John Isner 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 Sunday to win an all-American Serbia Open final.
The second-seeded Isner wasted a match point in the second set while serving and leading 5-3. His powerful first serve seemed to have deserted him in the crucial moments as Querrey converted a break point with a forehand passing shot.
The third-seeded Querrey then converted his fifth break point in the ninth game of the third set before serving out the match for his fourth career ATP tour title, and first on clay. Isner hit his racket to the ground after sending a forehand into the net on the last point of the match.
"It's not easy playing against my friend," Querrey said of his frequent doubles partner. "I congratulate John on a very good week here in Belgrade."
An all-American clay court final was last played in Europe in 1991, when Jim Courier defeated Andre Agassi for the French Open title.
Querrey, 22, won the Memphis title in February, when he also topped Isner in the championship match.
"I had my chances, but he deserved to win," Isner said. "We'll be back the next year."