Isner aiming for fourth title at BB&T Atlanta Open

John Isner is looking to reclaim his throne at the BB&T Atlanta Open this week. Isner returns to the event he’s won a tournament-best three times. He’s the No. 2 seed behind fellow American Jack Sock. “It’s great to be back,” Isner said. “Of course, (I have) a lot of very good memories here in Atlanta. I’ve played well here in this tournament’s seven-year history. Always found myself pretty deep in the tournament. So I’m hoping 2017 will be no different. “I’m looking forward to getting my campaign started (tonight).” Isner won his third Newport title last weekend, becoming the second player in ATP history to win a title without facing a break point, joining Tommy Haas’ 2007 performance in Memphis. The win moved Isner to No. 20 in the world, jone spot behind Sock. Isner earned a first-round bye, so he relaxed while other competitors went head-to-head Monday and Tuesday. Monday, Isner went into Central Park at Atlantic Station with “Hi-Lite” Bruton of the Harlem Globetrotters. The two taught each other tricks, shared some laughs and took photos with fans. “I played basketball growing up, being so tall and from North Carolina,” a smiling Isner said. “He taught me a little bit. I got better today.” Back on the other court, Isner’s first Atlanta Open opponent will be Vasek Pospisil of Canada, who nar- rowly defeated American Bjorn Fratangelo in the round of 32 on Tuesday afternoon.

Pospisil and Isner have faced off five times, with Isner winning three.

Isner, a former University of Georgia standout, won the BB&T three consecutive times before he was upset by eventual champion Nick Kyrgios last year. That snapped Isner’s 15-match winning streak in Atlanta.

There won’t be a rematch. Kyrgios withdrew before this year’s Open with a hip injury.

Isner enjoys starting the U.S. Open series in Atlanta, even with the heat.

“It definitely helps you prepare,” he said of the humid- ity. “To get out here early on in the season, to get accli- mated to these conditions helps a lot.”

Isner, 32, has 11 ATP Tour titles. He’s 23-4 in the Atlanta Open and has not lost before the semifinals.

John Isner enters this year’s event as the No. 2 seed.