Federer relishing 3/1 Isner challenge

Roger Federer is looking forward to tackling home favourite John Isner’s huge serve in Sunday’s Miami Open final (Federer 2/9, Isner 3/1 – Match Betting).

Federer moved into the final with a 6-2 6-2 triumph over Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov, while Isner needed a couple of tie-breaks to get past another young star from Canada, 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Having dealt with two up-and-coming stars of the game, players with a combined age of 70 will square off in the showpiece match, with Federer holding a 5-2 head-to-head advantage over the giant American (Federer 2-1 – Set Betting – 5/2).

It looks set to be a fascinating match, with the US star’s serve a huge weapon in his armoury.

The Swiss legend knows exactly what is coming and will use all his awareness and court knowledge to try and counteract the threat.

“Playing a big server like John is like being in a penalty shoot-out in soccer, but I enjoy it,” he said. “Sometimes you go with momentum. Sometimes you go with feel. Sometimes you guess maybe a little bit and sometimes you see it.”

The duo have not squared off since 2015 when Isner came out on the right side of a 7-6 3-6 7-6 scoreline in Paris.

Federer claimed the three previous meetings without dropping a set but knows his returns must be spot on to lift the trophy.

“You just hope that the stars align, that you pick the right side, that he picks the wrong side, that maybe he misses a serve, that you can put him in uncomfortable situations time and time again, and at the end somehow you find a way,” he added.

Odds subject to change.