Isner "keeps pounding" his way through Miami

After a slow start to 2018, John Isner has caught on fire at the Miami Open. The world No. 17 blasted his way to the final with a 6-1, 7-6 (2) win over Indian Wells champion Juan Martin del Potro on Friday.

"John deserved to win today. He serves unbelievable. He plays great tennis on the tiebreak. He was too good for me," Del Potro said.

"When he has a good day, he has everything to win a title like this."

Isner was playing in his 11th career ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, and is now into this third career final.

He couldn't be playing better, or serving better, right now. The 6'10" American gave up just one point on his first serve against Hyeon Chung in the quarterfinals, and then just six against Del Potro.

"I'm playing the best tennis I've played in a very, very long time," the 32-year-old said. "And I'm so happy to be doing it here."

He wrote #KeepPounding on the ESPN camera after his win, a nod to the Carolina Panthers hashtag and a fitting way to describe his serve and forehand these days.

Isner was 1-6 going into Miami after starting the year with three straight losses. He got some momentum in Indian Wells—on the doubles court—by winning the title with Jack Sock. Now he's piled up six straight wins and put an end to Del Potro's 15-match win streak.

If he keeps this level up, Isner has a good shot at his first career ATP Masters 1000 title on Sunday when he takes on either Alexander Zverev or Pablo Carreno Busta. This year's Miami Open marks the first time since 2010 that a Big 4 member will not be the champion.