Teenager Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese to reach an ATP final in nearly 16 years after a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 victory over American Sam Querrey at the Delray Beach International on Saturday.
The unseeded Nishikori, who had to qualify for the main draw, came back from 6-3 down in the third set tiebreak to win it 9-7 and he will play top seed James Blake in the final on Sunday.
Both players broke serve in the third set but it was the 18-year-old Nishikori, in his first ATP semi, who went on to triumph over third seed Querrey with some inspired tennis.
"I was choking in the tiebreak but at match point I really went for it," Nishikori told reporters after clinching victory with a blistering forehand.
"I was mentally tired but I tried to fight more and I am just so happy. I've taken it one match at a time here and I am surprised to be in the final."
BRIGHT FUTURE
The steady Querrey was generous in his praise of an opponent who looks to have a bright future.
"He earned it, he played well. He hits it so clean off both forehand and backhand, clean as a whistle. He is good," said Querrey.
"He was serving well and then stepping up and ripping it like he had nothing to lose."
Shuzo Matsuoka was the last Japanese to reach an ATP final when he lost at Queen's Club, London in June 1992.
Matsuoka was also the last Japanese to land an ATP singles title, winning in Seoul in April 1992.
Nishikori came to attention last year when he reached the quarter-finals in his second ATP tournament in Indianapolis.
The teenager, who studies at the famous Bolletieri Academy in Florida after he moved to the US as a 14-year-old, came into this week's event ranked 244th in the world.
Despite receiving over 150 emails in the past 24 hours, according to his agent, Nishikori said he would not be calling home to his family in Japan.
"Every time I call them, the next day I go and lose so I don't talk to them after matches," he said.
Blake proved far too strong for fellow American Robby Ginepri, easing to a 6-4 6-4 victory in just 72 minutes.
