World number 23 John Isner has admitted his triumph at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston came as a surprise to him.
The big-serving American won the final over top seed Nicolas Almagro 6-3 7-5 on Sunday to clinch his first ever clay court crown.
“I’ve always known I could play well on clay,” Isner told reporters.
“This week is a little surprising, as Monday was the first day I hit a ball on clay since September.
“I knew it was going to be a tough adjustment and that I had to find a way to get through my first match. My second match was really close.
“I felt I played better each and every round.”