Isner beats Cilic to book final with new world number one Murray
New world number one Andy Murray stands between John Isner and the Paris Masters title after the American's win over Marin Cilic.
John Isner cruised to a straight-sets victory over Marin Cilic to set up a Paris Masters final with new world number one Andy Murray.
Ninth seed Cilic went into the contest as favourite having knocked out Novak Djokovic in the previous round.
But the Croatian was undone by an excellent performance from Isner, who needed just an hour and 11 minutes to wrap up a 6-4 6-3 success.
Cilic was on the back foot from the off and had to save three break points in the first game of the match.
However, he had no answer the second time Isner pressured his serve, the American breaking for a 5-4 lead and then holding to love to prevent what had seemed an inevitable tie-break.
Isner was typically strong on serve throughout, sending down 18 aces and saving the only break point he faced in the fourth game of the second set.
Cilic could not produce the same level of composure and landed just 48 per cent of his first serves.
The writing was on the wall when Isner capitalised on another shaky service game to break and establish a set and 4-3 lead and, after once again holding without losing a point, he made sure of his place in the final as Cilic sent a tame backhand into the net.
Isner will likely have to up his game again if he is to claim the title, the world number 27 has never beaten Murray in their previous seven meetings.