Isner, Monaco to vie for Clay Court crown American John Isner reacts after winning his mens semifinal match against Serbian Novak Djokovic at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California on March 17, 2012. Isner defeated Djokovic 7-6 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (5) to advance to the finals. HOUSTON, April 14 (UPI) -- John Isner and Juan Monaco will meet for the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship after each posted semifinal victories Saturday in Houston. Isner, the No. 2 seed, had to work hard for his victory, a marathon 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 decision over No. 3 seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain. The American saved all eight of Lopez's break chances and fired 13 aces en route to the comeback win. Isner's victory moved him to 7-0 on clay courts this year. Fourth-seeded Monaco, meanwhile, got past American Michael Russell 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in another long match, this one clocking in at nearly 2 1/2 hours. The Argentine, who didn't face a break chance in the second set, will be seeking his fifth ATP title Sunday.