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American roundup: Isner flies high in Madrid

By Niko Vercelletto
J. Isner vs. A. Rublev: Third Round

Every week, American players from the ATP and WTA tours step up to the plate around the world. Here are the top American movers and shakers that shone brightest this week:

1

Quarterfinalist, ATP Masters 1000 (Madrid, Spain)

John Isner made his third career quarterfinal showing in Madrid after defeating the No. 9 seed in Roberto Bautista Agut and No. 6 seed Andrey Rublev in Madrid. The American almost defeated Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals after winning the first set, but could not cross the finish line.

2

Doubles Champion, WTA 125 (Saint-Malo, France)

The WTA tour has two new doubles champions. It was an almost all-American final as Kaitlyn Christian and Sabrina Santamaria took on Hayley Carter in the final in France. The duo played together in their college days at USC and united to pick up their First WTA-level doubles title.

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Congratulations to @sabs_santamaria and Kaitlyn Christian for winning their first WTA title together as partners at the L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo. The duo won the 2013 NCAA Doubles Championship while at USC. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/iiktkt0Rez — USC Women's Tennis (@USCWomensTennis) May 10, 2021

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3

Champion, ITF W100 (Charleston, S.C.)

Two weeks and two finals later, Claire Liu is proving herself to be a formidable opponent on the ITF tour. After winning the biggest title of her career in Virginia, the American stayed in Charleston for another ITF title. Only time will tell if Liu can keep up this momentum.

4

Doubles Champion, ATP Challenger 80 (Biella, Italy)

Nathanial Lammons is a little-known American player that may soon jump to the forefront of the ATP Challenger Tour. He has earned his first doubles title at the Challenger level, making the 2021 season one of his career best.

5

Finalist, ITF W100 (Charleston, S.C.)

It was an all-American final in Charleston, but for Madison Brengle it wasn't her time. The American played well during her week at the ITF tournament, but could not overcome Liu's hot streak. Still, her run shows that her 2021 season is just getting started.