John Isner clinches Atlanta title

The American, ranked 12th, was the top seed at the ATP 250 event, and he vindicated that standing with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Israel's Sela to defend the title he won in Georgia last year.

Isner sent down 15 aces in the title decider, including nine in the first set, and he broke the Sela serve twice in the contest that lasted one hour 11 minutes.

Sela, the world number 94, was in just his second career final and his nerves were on show early, as he conceded an early break to go 3-0 down.

He had one chance to get the match back on serve with a break point in the fifth game, but Isner was on hand to deny his opponent.

After that chance, Isner went on to win 10 of the next 11 points on his serve to coast to the first set.

Sela managed to lead early in the second set after serving first, but handed the advantage to Isner shortly after when the American broke in the third game.

And Isner would not cough up his advantage, holding serve throughout - despite getting into a 0-30 hole when serving for the match at 5-4.

Sela's final appearance should take him to the brink of the world's top 70, while Isner will rise a spot in the rankings to 11th.