Isner ousts Auger-Aliassime to reach Miami final

John Isner is into the Miami Open final, where he will face Roger Federer or Denis Shapovalov.

Miami Open defending champion John Isner will move from ninth to eighth in the rankings if he successfully defends his title.

Defending champion John Isner came through two tight sets to set up a Miami Open final clash against Roger Federer, beating Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4).

Auger-Aliassime, 18, has been the surprise package of the week in Florida, the qualifier having not dropped a set since the second round. But the final proved a step too far, as Isner - yet to drop a set in the tournament - battled through.

Auger-Aliassime struck the first blow when he broke the Isner serve to go 4-3 in front, but Isner hit back three games later to force a tie-break.

Isner dropped his first two service points in the breaker but Auger-Aliassime did too and the former turned it around to edge in front.

The American then fell behind in the second set, too, but once again Auger-Aliassime could not make the advantage stick.

On this occasion, Isner won the first point of the tie-break on his opponent's serve, which proved enough to wrap up a win that ensures he will remain in the world's top 10.

Victory in the final would see Isner move from ninth to eighth in the rankings.