ATLANTA -- Top-seeded defending champion John Isner advanced to the Atlanta Open final for the fourth time in the tournaments five-year history, beating practice partner Jack Sock 7-5, 6-4 on Saturday. As the 12th-ranked Isner seeks his ninth career title on Sunday, Dudi Sela will try to win his first. The 94th-ranked Israeli player beat Germanys Ben Becker 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a night match. Isner improved to 15-3 in the event after saving his best for the end of each set. The former University of Georgia star broke Socks service twice -- each time to capture a set. "Ive made four finals here. Winston-Salem is my hometown. This feels like my hometown because I went to school here," Isner said. "I feel like its my time of year to play well, and start picking up the pace a little bit." Before the final game of the first set, Isner won only two points against Socks first five service games. Then, in a game that lasted 14 minutes and reached deuce nine times, Isner won 13 points, survived six game points, and took the set when Sock sent a backhand wide. That was Socks third backhand of the set. All three were unforced errors. "I wasnt putting any pressure on him, but I told myself that might work to my favour (to crank up his energy)," Isner said. "If I could put a little pressure on him, maybe he could crack a little bit and . . . second set, same thing." Serving at 4-5 in the second set, Sock -- who three weeks ago teamed with Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil to win the doubles title at Wimbledon -- double faulted twice. When Sock sent his last forehand into the net, Isner moved through to the Atlanta final yet again. He lost in there in 2010 and 2011 to Mardy Fish, and fell in the 2012 semifinals to eventual champion Andy Roddick. As Isner began timing Socks first serves better, Sock took off some pace. That may have worked against him. "Against John, you dont have many chances at all. I had a good look at a backhand pass," Sock said. "I think it was a combination of me missing first serves, and him moving in a few feet closer (to return). "Usually, when he gets his racket on it, he hits it pretty clean. I started missing first serves, and hes dangerous on the second." Sock is ranked 72nd, but will become the second-highest ranked American when the new rankings come out -- moving ahead of Sam Querrey (61) and Steve Johnson (64). Querrey won a first-round match over Johnson in Atlanta before falling in the second round. When the 5-foot-9 Sela meets the 6-10 Isner, it will be just the second ATP final of his career. He lost to Andy Roddick in Beijing in 2008 in the first. Sela made a difference by winning 54 per cent of his second serves to just 41 per cent for Becker. The match clincher came after a 79 mph second serve. Isner often tops 140 mph. "I feel great," Sela said. "I came out playing well, and (Becker) began to play better, more aggressively. I was a bit lucky at the beginning of the third set and I was able to finish it out." Pospisil and Sock played Nicolas Barrientos and Victor Estrella Burgos in a doubles semifinal Saturday night for the right to face Querrey and Johnson in the final. Tom Glavine Jersey . Buffalos defensive co-ordinator had his second interview with Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner on Tuesday night, a person familiar with the Browns plans told The Associated Press. Dansby Swanson Braves Jersey . Hes coming back to fulfil them. One of Europes top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-the-box selection they hope changes their fortunes. https://www.cheapbraves.com/2373o-sean-newcomb-jersey-braves.html ... maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows. Dansby Swanson Jersey . Pospisil, the seventh seed, saved match points in each of the last two sets before falling to the unseeded Dutchman. "I wasnt very happy with the way I was playing,"said Pospisil. Mike Foltynewicz Braves Jersey . At this rate, the Flyers captain is set to be remembered more for a fantastic finish.Ulster wing Craig Gilroy is backing provincial team-mate Paddy Jackson to rise to the occasion when Ireland tackle South Africa in the first Test at Newlands on Saturday. Jackson is favourite to fill the void at fly-half left by Johnny Sextons shoulder injury against the Springboks, having been selected ahead of Ian Madigan for the three-Test tour.While Madigan was called up when Sextons surgery was confirmed last week, it appears likely that Jackson will be handed the No 10 shirt for the first time since the World Cup warm-up against Wales last August. The 24-year-old has been a regular squad member under Joe Schmidt, but Madigan has been the preferred back-up to Sexton in the last two seasons, starting last years World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina.However, he has struggled to get game-time at Leinster since Sextons return to the province, while his impending move to Bordeaux has weakened his claim.Meanwhile, Jackson, who made his international debut as a 20-year-old against Scotland during the 2013 Six Nations and has collected 13 caps since, has grown in stature under Les Kiss at Ulster and was a central figure in their season. Jackson was a central figure for Ulster last season And Gilroy believes his old schoolmate is ready to step up to the challenge of the first Test in Cape Town, live on Sky Sports.Hes been fantastic..ddddddddddddHes been a joy to play with, he said. Its not just off the back of this season that I say this, I played with Jacko at school, under-age level, U19s, U20s, provincially and internationally.Hes a joy to play with, Ive always rated him so highly. I always enjoy playing with him and no doubt if he gets an opportunity I think hell take it.I think this has probably been his best season on a personal level.Not only was he able to deliver on the pitch physically, but he stepped up as a leader. He spoke well to us guys post-game, at half-time and he talks well on the pitch and commands the plays that he wants. Craig Gilroy has played alongside Jackson since his schooldays He delivers with ball-in-hand, his kicking game has been fantastic as well. Les knows Jack is more than capable.He has that smart rugby brain to make the decisions to take the ball to the line or if he decides to go himself, do you know what hes a tight wee man and hes a lot quicker than he looks.Hes hard, Jacko. Sometimes he has a laugh at himself, but hell get down to the nitty-gritty stuff and put his body on the line. Also See: Easterby backs trio Sexton heads absentees WATCH: Greenwoods favourite 5 U20 Championship round-up ' ' '