NICE, France — Dominic Thiem hit 11 aces Friday to upset second-seeded John Isner and set up a final against Leonardo Mayer at the Open de Nice.
The big-serving Isner also had 11 aces and saved seven of eight break points in the first set but lost the first three games of the second set to slump to a 7-6 (5), 6-3 loss at the clay-court tournament.
The 42nd-ranked Thiem, who is chasing his maiden ATP tour title, said "you don't play a final every week, so I am really happy. But if I lose tomorrow, I won't win the tournament.