Matosevic was attempting to become the third qualifier to hoist the big prize and the fifth Australian to win the ITC. The last Aussie was Lleyton Hewitt in 1999. Anderson was the first South African to advance to the final in the history of the tournament.

With Anderson breaking his opponent in the opening game, there was a sense that Matosevic would have a short afternoon. But, the stellar serving which allowed Anderson to dispatch top seed John Isner in the semifinals deserted him initially.

Consequently, the players exchanged break the first five games. Finally, Anderson consolidated to move ahead 4-2. With Anderson’s serve finally clicking, he maintained the advantage to carry the first set.

In the initial game of the second set, Anderson manufactured break point on a forehand error by Matosevic. But the latter found a way to undo the disadvantage and ultimately hold serve.

On Matosevic’s next service round, Anderson had three break point opportunities and failed to capitalize. As a result, Matosevic guarded serve for 2-1.

Later, Matosevic faced adversity again going down 0-40 as Anderson connected on a great forehand up the line pass for a winner. Yet, once more, Matosevic found the escape route to inch in front 4-3.

In total, Anderson came up empty on eight break points in the second set. Still, the positive news for the South African was that Matosevic could not fabricate any break point.

Eventually, the set was extended by a tiebreaker. As a result of a miscue, Matosevic gave Anderson the first point. When Anderson soon returned the favor, the players were back on serve.

However, by provoking two successive flubs from Matosevic, Anderson captured a double mini-break edge. Promptly with a volley winner, Anderson arrived at 6-1 and had a sleuth of championship points.

When the rally ended on a forehand error by Matosevic, Anderson dropped to the ground as he realized that the title was his.

Anderson was proud of the way he dealt with wasting all those break point and acknowledged that Matosevic “came up with fantastic shots” on those occasions.

For Anderson, the victory is a confidence builder “with two big tournaments coming up [Indian Wells and Miami], I could not ask for a better result”.

A twelve match winning streak was terminated for Matosevic. Still, his progress this week was substantial in reaching his maiden ATP final.

Matosevic’s results this week included taking down Ivo Karlovic, Alex Bogomolov Jr. and 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis. Ranked 173rd, on Monday, Matosevic will be just outside the top hundred, his highest ranking to date.

Nathalie Narcisse

In the battle of the giants, Kevin Anderson prevailed over top seed John Isner 7-5, 7-6 to reach the final of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

Anderson interrupted an All American semifinal by beating fourth seed Andy Roddick in the prior round. Before this match, Isner had yet to drop a set this week. Isner, the world number eleven, had a slim edge over Anderson in their record of 3-2.

In the opening set, each man had no trouble holding serve for ten games. Suddenly though, with Isner netting a forehand, Anderson had triple break point.

The South African captured the break on another mistake by Isner. Then, with a comfortable service game, Anderson shut down the set.

After guarding serve to start the second set, on a backhand error by Anderson, Isner had his initial break point. However, Anderson battled trough to maintain serve.

With each man cruising on serve, a tiebreaker was called upon. Isner double faulted the very first point. This was the only advantage that Anderson needed to punch his ticket into the final.

The South African will face qualifier Marinko Matosevic. The Australian ranked 173rd edged out Dudi Sela 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 to book his maiden final appearance in an ATP event.

In the first set, Sela overcame a 1-4 deficit. Later, in an error plagued game by Matosevic, Sela seized a second break for 6-5. Then, with a love game, Sela swiftly closed out the set.

The second set, Matosevic capitalized on triple break point and consolidated for a 4-1 advantage. Although unable to convert on two further break opportunities, this time around, Matosevic held his nerve. Consequently, the sole break was enough for Matosevic to force a third set.

In the final set, once again, the early break went to Matosevic. The Aussie built a 5-2 lead.

After Sela guarded serve, Matosevic went up 40-15 for double match point. The pressure was insurmountable as Matosevic caved in and Sela ultimately broke.

The third set was settled in a tiebreaker in which Matosevic saw Sela roar back from 0-3. Still, Matosevic was able to refocus and close out the match.

The 26 year old qualifier has had an amazing tournament with wins over Ivo Karlovic in the first round, sixth seed Alex Bogomolov Jr. in the second round and 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis in the quarterfinals.

Anderson and Matosevic collided once previously on the challenger circuit. In a three set match, Matosevic had to retire before the match was decided by a tiebreaker.

The South African is in his third career final. Anderson’s only title came last year in his hometown in Johannesburg.

Nathalie Narcisse

The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships singles’ draw has been released with American John Isner as the top seed.

Isner faces compatriot Jessie Levine in the opening round while 2002 finalist and fourth seed Andy Roddick squares off against German Philipp Petzschner.

Roddick has been struggling with injury since the Australian Open and will need to find his form in order to make a deep run here. If the draw holds up, Isner and Roddick will clash in the semifinals.

Croatian Marin Cilic makes his first appearance at this event and takes on the crafty veteran Jarkko Nieminen in his initial match. Third seed Viktor Troicki is another first timer in Delray Beach. In his opening encounter, the Serb battles seasoned opponent, Steve Darcis.

After a five year absence, fifth seed Phillip Kohlschreiber is back and collides with the talented Olivier Rochus who was a finalist in Auckland earlier this year and a quarterfinalist in Memphis last week.

Previous participants, sixth seed Alex Bogomolov Jr. and Kevin Anderson play qualifiers in their first meetings. Bernard Tomic rounds out the seeds at the number eight spot. The gifted Aussie will combat 2006 champion and wildcard entrant Tommy Haas in the first round.

Other notables playing include 2010 French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer in his maiden appearance, 2010 ITC finalist Ivo Karlovic, 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis and two time ITC victor Xavier Malisse.

The action gets underway Monday, February 27. Join the MiamiTennisNews Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/MiamiTennisNews and follow us on Twitter under the user name @MiamiTennisNews at http://twitter.com/MiamiTennisNews for news, live scores, and results.

Nathalie Narcisse

Despite outplaying Del Potro in the previous set, Tipsarevic found himself behind in the scoreboard.  Nevertheless, the Serb attempted to soldier on.  The initial game of the second set, thanks to his long wing span, Del Potro caught up with a backhand volley from Tipsarevic and struck a backhand pass for a winner for break point.  With great defense, Tipsarevic denied Del Potro the game.  Five game points later, Tipsarevic captured the first game.  Following a couple of comfortable service games, at 2 all, Tipsarevic fumbled a backhand down the line to give Del Potro double break point.  The Serb then double faulted to gift Del Potro a 3-2 lead.  Later, with a forehand volley winner, Tipsarevic manufactured double break point of his own.  Yet, on both occasions, he was turned away.  Tipsarevic had two more opportunities to break in that game, but Del Potro shut him out.  After salvaging his eleventh out of twelve break points, Del Potro consolidated for 4-2. Although Tipsarevic continued to press, Del Potro aided by a vocal Argentine public held on for a 5-3 lead.  Serving for the match, Del Potro revved up the mph on the serve to get to triple championship point.  When Tipsarevic’s forehand crosscourt sailed long, Del Potro captured the title.

In analyzing the match, Tipsarevic iterated that it boiled down to “not executing well. . . .and not taking my chances”.  For Tipsarevic, the first set was pivotal because “I was disappointed that I lost it even though Del Potro was not playing his game”.

Del Potro was frank in saying “I think [Janko] deserved to win the first set. . . I was trying to focus on my serve [the first set] because I knew it was only one break. . . I knew I would have the opportunity to comeback. . . When I had it, I took it.  I had a little bit of luck granted. . . My forehand began to work which helped me in closing out the first set”.

Since today was Del Potro’s first daytime match of the tournament, he was asked whether the shift in climate was a factor:   “Today it was very hot and I did feel it. I felt strange [at the start of the match], I did not have much energy. . .  [As a result], I did play under my level. . . But in a final you have to win any you can,  your form doesn’t matter. . . You have to leave it all out there on the court after the match then [you] can rest”.

Putting this victory in perspective, Del Potro cited that it’s quite special ‘this is a win to share with my family and friends who have stuck by me through all the good and bad I have endured the last few months’.  When Del Potro was asked whether this triumph means he is all the way back, the Argentine answered:   “It always helps to win matches and tournaments, but I am not all the way back”.  Would beating the guys in the top ten be the barometer as far as that piece of the puzzle is concerned?  Del Potro replied:   “Yes, that is an important part . . . I played [Fernando] Verdasco and [Andy] Roddick, the ball feels different playing against them . . . My game and my mind [will need time to adjust again] to beat these types of players”.

With the full load he has had the last three weeks, Del Potro stated he will need to rest.  Consequently, at this instance, he is not sure whether he will be making the trip to Indian Wells.  From a ranking of 166, on Monday, Del Potro will be back inside the top 100.

Following a comfortable opening game, Del Potro obtained a break point when Fish pushed a forehand up the line wide.  With a forehand crosscourt winner, Del Potro broke.  This was the first time Fish had surrendered his serve the entire tournament.  When Del Potro’s forehand crosscourt landed wide, Fish had a break point of his own.  However, after scrambling beautifully to defend, Fish misfired on a neutral backhand down the line to let Del Potro off the hook.  With two good serves, Del Potro consolidated for a 3-0 edge.  Subsequent to both players holding without difficulty, Fish committed three straight errors to hand Del Potro triple break point.  By bludgeoning a forehand crosscourt for a winner, Del Potro broke again for 5-1.  Promptly with another unadventurous game, Del Potro pocketed the set.

Throughout the initial set, Del Potro was crushing the ball and Fish played right into the Argentine’s hand by camping out on the baseline.  The second set, Fish altered his strategy and decided to take his chances at net.  Subsequent to a difficult hold, Fish provoked three forehand flubs from Del Potro for double break point.  When Del Potro’s backhand failed to go over the net, Fish had a 2-0 lead.  But, by connecting on a backhand down the line for a winner, Del Potro got to break point.  When Fish’s forehand bounced wide, the players were back on serve.  Nevertheless, Fish continued to press and again with three miscues in a row from Del Potro, he arrived at triple break point.  On that occasion, Del Potro double faulted to gift the American the break.  Despite facing a break point, Fish ultimately consolidated for a 4-1 advantage.  Although his service games got harder, Del Potro kept up with Fish to limit the deficit to one break.  Serving at 4-2, Fish made three mistakes to donate double break point to his adversary.  Del Potro gladly accepted by ripping a forehand down the line which lead to Fish’s response going wide.  Then at love, Del Potro leveled the set at 4 all.  With a quick hold, Fish inched ahead 5-4.  Yet, Del Potro had no problem squaring the set.  Later, off a booming backhand down the line by Del Potro, Fish watched his backhand land into the net to give the Argentine break point.  Del Potro converted by overpowering a forehand which resulted in a mistake by Fish.  After falling behind 0-30 while serving for the match, Del Potro produced two sensational winners to get to 30 all.  When Fish’s forehand did not clear the net, Del Potro had match point.  Del Potro sealed the victory when Fish misfired with the backhand.

After the match, Del Potro was asked how it felt to be in his first final after so many months.  The Argentine admitted that although “ I feel tired, it’s [an] amazing comeback . . . I just want to enjoy the final tomorrow and hopefully win”.  According to Del Potro, the key to counteracting Fish’s improved performance in the second set was “playing better at the important moments”.

Del Potro confessed that after a spectacular 2009, his focus was trying to climb to the number one ranking.  With adversities he’s had to overcome in 2010, Del Potro says his priorities have changed.   Del Potro expressed “my goal is to improve my game day by day and match by match . . . I don’t know [if being number one can be a goal again] because I don’t know [where my game will peak]”.  As a consequence of his forced hiatus, Del Potro said that he is taking nothing for granted.  He appreciates and enjoys every moment he is out on court.

Tonight, Del Potro showed the ball and his opponent no mercy.  If he maintains this fine form into tomorrow’s final, Janko Tipsarevic will have to wait for another tournament to hoist his first ATP trophy.  As Del Potro continues to strike the ball without abandon, one gets the impression that his current ranking of 166 will soon be a distant memory.

As the 2008 champion, Nishikori has great memories from this venue and began strongly with a love hold.  When Tipsarevic flubbed an overhead off a defensive lob, Nishikori was one point away from taking a 2-0 lead.  However, with his opponent making three consecutive errors, Tipsarevic managed to guard serve.  From that point on in the first set, Nishikori was the one pushing the envelope while Tipsarevic was satisfied with putting the ball in play.  As a result of that tactic, Tipsarevic forced multiple miscues from his rival.  Nishikori had to bounce back from love-30 to stay ahead 3-2.  But serving at 4 all, Nishikori netted a backhand crosscourt to hand Tipsarevic double break point.  When Nishikori sent another backhand long, Tipsarevic captured the break for a 5-4 edge.  Then at 40-0, Tipsarevic thumped an ace to put the set to bed.

During the interlude, Nishikori had an injury time out to address his foot.  Showing no ill effect, Nishikori went back to work.  Subsequent to an opening double fault, Nishikori fought hard and salvaged the game for 1-0.  Now in a groove, at love, Tipsarevic found the equalizer.  Next, by floating a forehand wide and committing a double fault, Nishikori was in a love-30 hole.  After recovering and getting to game point, Nishikori produced another mistake leading to deuce.  When Nishikori sliced a backhand wide, Tipsarevic had break point.  Tipsarevic converted as a result of Nishikori loosing control of a forehand stroke.  With another error plagued game from Nishikori, Tipsarevic easily consolidated for 3-1.  Despite staying one break down, with a myriad of errors, Nishikori failed to rattle Tipsarevic’s serve.  Consequently, as in the first set, an untroubled Tipsarevic arrived at triple match point and with an ace booked his spot into the final.

In his post match interview, Tipsarevic stated:  “I’m really happy with the week and my match today.”  When asked what he thought was the key to his win, Tipsarevic commented:   “the main difference was the serve. I managed to win one or two points per service game on my serve just by making an ace or a good serve while Kei had to grind for every possible point on his service game.”  Moreover, Tipsarevic cited:  “Novak [Djokovic] beating [Roger] Federer today made me want to win just a little bit more”.  In fact, Tipsarevic received a congratulatory text message from his countryman, Djokovic, after his victory.

To claim his first ATP title, Tipsarevic will have defeat either 2009 Delray Beach champion Mardy Fish or 2009 U.S. Open champ Juan Martin Del Potro.  Fish and Del Potro will clash in the night session.

In the first night session match, Kei Nishikori eliminated wild card James Blake 6-3, 6-4. The second round encounter was a rematch of the 2008 final whereby Nishikori was also victorious.

In the afternoon session third-seeded Sam Querrey went down in straight sets to qualifier Ryan Sweeting, while Ivan Dodig advanced over Dudi Sela 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

In another second round match Adrian Mannarino rallied from a set down to advance over Leonardo Mayer 1-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Thursday afternoon, 2009 ITC champion Mardy Fish will take on the 2004 ITC champion Ricardo Mello. The night session is highlighted by 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro who takes on Teymuraz Gabashvili. Gabashvili eliminated John Isner in the first round.

Here is the order of play for Thursday, February 24 :

STADIUM start 11:00 am
B Becker (GER) / M Kohlmann (GER) vs C Kas (GER) / A Peya (AUT)

Not Before 12:30 PM
R Mello (BRA) vs [2] M Fish (USA)

Not Before 2:30 PM
[8] A Mannarino (FRA) vs [Q] A Falla (COL)

5:30 PM
S Lipsky (USA) / R Ram (USA) vs J Murray (GBR) / K Skupski (GBR)

Not Before 7:15 PM
J Del Potro (ARG) vs T Gabashvili (RUS)
[5] K Anderson (RSA) vs F Serra (FRA)

Del Potro and Berankis traded breaks early in the first set before going back on serve in the sixth game. Serving at 4-5, Berankis was broken, handing Del Potro the first set. In the second set, Berankis was no match for Del Potro who easily ran away with the second set and the match.

In the post match interview, Del Potro responded to following questions from MiamiTennisNews.com:

Q: Since your return from your wrist surgery have you had to adjust the way you play or are are playing at the same level when you won the US Open?
Del Potro: It depends on the climate and how I feel on a given day. I do not have the same strength however my game remains the same. I try to be aggressive with all my shots as that is what has allowed me to win tournaments.

Q: Are you taking any special measures to protect your wrist or are you back to 100%?
Del Potro: No, I’m still rehabbing and receiving treatments. It is a very long process. It still hasn’t been a year since I had the surgery. The norm would be that I would have some pain. At the moment [the recovery] is going well.

Del Potro, who is making his first appearance in Delray, will face Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia in the second round. On Monday night Gabashvili upset the fourth-seeded American John Isner in a three sets.

Earlier, second-seeded Mardy Fish advanced when Bjorn Phau retired in the first set. Fifth-seeded Kevin Anderson moved into the second round with a 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 win over Donald Young while Janko Tipsarevic beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia.

American qualifier Ryan Sweeting defeated Russian Igor Andreev 6-2, 6-3 in another first round match and Kei Nishikori of Japan defeated Brian Dabul of Argentina 6-2, 7-6.

Dudi Sela moves on to the second round by defeating Marinko Matosevic. Matosevic was added to the ITC draw when Andy Roddick withdrew from the tournament on Monday due to flu-like symptoms.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sam Querrey will take on fellow American Ryan Sweeting. The night session will feature a rematch of the 2008 ITC final when Nishikori faces wild card James Blake.

Here is the order of play for Wednesday, February 23 :

STADIUM start 11:00 am
C Fleming (GBR) / R Hutchins (GBR) vs J Murray (GBR) / K Skupski (GBR)

Not Before 12:30 PM
[3] [WC] S Querrey (USA) vs [Q] R Sweeting (USA)
D Sela (ISR) vs I Dodig (CRO)

5:30 PM
K Anderson (RSA) / D Martin (USA) vs F Ferreiro (BRA) / A Sa (BRA)

Not Before 7:15 PM
K Nishikori (JPN) vs [WC] J Blake (USA)
[Q] B Kavcic (SLO) vs [6] J Tipsarevic (SRB)

COURT 1 start 11:00 am
[8] A Mannarino (FRA) vs L Mayer (ARG)

Roddick held a press conference this afternoon where he expressed his disappointment at having to pull out of the event given that he has not played the tournament since 2003. On his condition, Roddick stated that ” I woke up yesterday and felt like I got hit by a bus”. Tuesday’s night session will now feature Juan Martin Del Potro taking on Richard Berankis.

Here is the official press release from ITC tournament following Roddick’s press conference :

Delray Beach, FL – Top seed Andy Roddick has pulled out of the Delray Beach International Championships because of illness.

Roddick said during a press conference late Monday afternoon that he began experiencing flu-like symptoms prior to his Memphis final and has been prescribed antibiotics.

“I’m very disappointed. I’ve waited too long to come back and play this tournament,” said Roddick, who is a former resident of nearby Boca Raton where he played in high school. “It’s just unfortunate timing. I was looking forward to coming back. I honestly don’t feel I can go out there and give my best.”

Roddick won his 30th ATP World Tour title Sunday when he defeated Canadian Milos Raonic in three sets at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis, joining Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the only active tennis players to win at least 30 ATP titles. Roddick, ranked No. 8 in world, notched the victory with a remarkable diving forehand shot down the line on match point.

Roddick’s spot atop the bracket has been filled by qualifier Marinko Matosevic.

Tournament director Mark Baron announced that Tuesday’s evening session would begin at 5:30 pm with a Ashley Fisher/Stephen Huss vs. Jack Sock/Donald Young doubles match, followed by a 7:15 pm Juan Martin del Potro vs Richard Berankis ATP World Tour first round match, followed by the ATP Champions Tour Final.

The draw is headlined by former US Open Champions Juan Martin del Potro (2009) and Andy Roddick (2003). Joining Del Potro and Roddick are past Delray Beach ITC champions Marty Fish, James Blake, Kei Nishikori, Xavier Malisse, and Ricardo Mello.

The tournament will also host a stop of the ATP Champions Tour event with John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Todd Martin and Mark Philippoussis scheduled to play.

Here is the official press release from the tournament :

DELRAY BEACH, FL (January 20, 2011) – Former Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC) champions Xavier Malisse, Kei Nishikori and Ricardo Mello, along with 2010 runnerup Ivo Karlovic and 2007/2008 runnerup James Blake have signed up to play in the ITC’s 19th annual ATP World Tour event from February 21-27 at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center.

Also committing to the draw: 2009 world No. 12 Radek Stepanek and Janko Tipsaravic, who played a hero’s role in leading Serbia to the 2010 Davis Cup title.

The group joins a pair of US Open Champions - Andy Roddick (2003) and Juan Martin del Potro (2009) – as well as current Top 20 players Mardy Fish and John Isner - in giving the ITC arguably its best draw in history.

“We can’t wait to see how this one plays out,” said tournament director Mark Baron, who has added a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera to the $500,000 pool of prize money.  “Our group of stars stands out,  but the depth of talent in this draw and guys who have had great results is very impressive.”

Malisse, the winningest player in ITC history, reached the Chenai final earlier this month. The 31-year-old is a three-time champion (2 singles titles, 1 doubles title) and has reached three other singles finals at the ITC.

Nishikori’s incredible run in 2008 as an 18-year-old made him Delray Beach’s youngest champion, and Mello will long be known for winning the 2004 title following one of South Florida’s four hurricanes that season.

Karlovic enjoyed an exciting run to the ITC final last year that included a tournament-record 89 aces, while Blake, with an 11-5 record in this tournament, received a wildcard to play this year.

Stepanek has played in 11 career ATP World Tour finals – winning four – and was the Delray Beach doubles champion in 2004. Tipsaravic owns an impressive record vs. Top 10 players, and his win in the decisive 5t rubber in last year’s Davis Cup semifinal propelled Croatia to the final.

The tournament’s ATP Champions Tour event, featuring John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Todd Martinand Mark Philippoussis, will kick off the Delray Beach ITC on Friday, February 18 at the Tennis Center. Fans buying tickets on Monday and Tuesday, February 21 and 22, will see both ATP World Tour and ATP Champions matches.

Baron also announced a ‘blockbuster’ Tuesday evening session that will include Roddick’s opening match in addition to the ATP Champions Tour final. The world No. 8 is expected to be the top seed in the ITC’s ATP World Tour event.

Individual session tickets range in price from $15 for grandstand seats to $85 for box seats, while a wide variety of tournament packages are available from $200 to $490. A limited number of ON-COURT “Best Seats in the House” remain, and there are unique “Fan Experiences” also available for purchase.

Here is Delray Beach’s 2011 draw: Kevin Anderson (RSA), Igor Andreev (RUS), Benjamin Becker (GER), Julien Benneteau (FRA), Richard Berankis (LTU), James Blake (USA), Dustin Brown (GER), Brian Dabul (ARG), Juan Martin del Potro (ARG), Ivan Dodig (CRO), Mardy Fish (USA), Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS), John Isner (USA), Xavier Malisse (BEL), Adrian Mannarino (FRA), Ricardo Mello (BFA), Kei Nishikori (JPN), Bjorn Phau (GER), Michal Przysienzny (POL), Andy Roddick (USA), Rainer Schuettler (GER), Florent Serra (FRA), Radek Stepanek (CZE), Janko Tipsarevic (SRB); Balance of 32-player field will be filled by 4 qualifiers, 2 special exempts (at ATP discretion) & 1 wildcard.

Visit the Delray Beach ITC website www.YellowTennisBall.com to purchase tickets. For more information, please call 561-330-6000.