Isner sets up Clement final

John Isner will meet Arnaud Clement in the Heineken Open final after they both recorded wins in their respective semi-final matches.

Isner beat Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-2 7-6 (7-5), while Clement accounted for German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 7-6 (7-2).

Isner, ranked 34th in the world, had an amazing first set, breaking Montanes twice, but was pushed hard in the second.

The 6ft 9in American's serve was far too much for Montanes, ranked 31 in the world, as he struggled with the pace of the first serve and found it hard to reach Isner's big-kicking second serve as well.

"I wanted to get it done in two sets and I played really well in the first," said the 24-year-old.

"He picked up his game in the second but I still had chances. I played a little bit too tentative and that's something I can't do tomorrow.

"I served really well today, probably the best I've served all tournament. That was really key and I knew if it did go to a tie-breaker in the second I'd like my chances."

Tomorrow's match will be Isner's second ATP Tour final after he previously reached the showpiece in Washington, where he was beaten, back in 2007.

Isner feels he has grown a lot as a player since then and is ready to take the next step and claim his maiden title.

"That was my first tournament and the final came from nowhere," he said. "I think this time I'm a lot more prepared and I'm a lot better player and I really deserve to be at this stage."

Meanwhile, Clement booked his spot in the decider after Kohlschreiber failed to produce the necessary consistency.

The German felt he did not have a chance to get on the front foot against Clement, who was relentless in his aggressive approach throughout the match.

"He played a great match and played every point really well," said the 26-year-old. "It was really tough to play against him, he was fast and really aggressive."