NEWPORT (Rhode Island), July 16: John Isner fired 16 aces in a 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 victory over Australian Lleyton Hewitt on Sunday to win the ATP Hall of Fame Championships title for the second-straight year.

“It's huge for me,” the top-seeded American said.

“It's the first time I've ever defended a title. I'm very happy to come through today against a great opponent — in my opinion one of the greatest ever. It's a big win for me.”

SERENA LIFTS TROPHY STANFORD: Top seed Serena Williams overcame a week fighting jet-lag to beat fellow American Coco Vandeweghe 7-5, 6-3 to retain the Stanford Classic title on Sunday.

Just eight days after winning her fifth Wimbledon single title, Williams fought off a set point in the first set before overcoming big-serving Vandeweghe, who had reached her first WTA final.

The 30-year-old Williams used her experience and know-how to race past the 20-year-old, nailing 21 winners. Vandeweghe struck 20 winners but also committed 25 unforced errors.—Agencies