Despite the score, Stepanek was not a comfortable put away for Nadal using everything in his bag of tricks to disrupt the Spaniard. At one all in the first set, Stepanek forced Nadal to overcome break point in order to hold.

After failing to build on a 15-30 advantage on his rival’s serve, Stepanek was broken when Nadal connected on a forehand crosscourt pass for a winner. Next, Nadal consolidated for 5-2. Then, Nadal broke Stepanek a second time to bed the opening set.

Following a hold where he wiped out break point, Nadal converted to secure the break. In spite of Stepanek fighting, Nadal went on to stretch his lead to 3-0.

Down the road, Stepanek dismissed double break point to stay in touch with Nadal at 2-4. However, serving to extend the match, Stepanek stared at triple break point. On the second match point, Stepanek’s forehand found the net resulting in Nadal securing his spot into the fourth round.

Next, Nadal will take on Kei Nishikori who booted Lukas Rosol 6-4, 6-2. After his victory Nadal had the following thoughts on his upcoming match “every match is completely different, but I beat him two times on grass. One time here last year. No one match can be easy against him. . . He’s a fantastic player. He has a big talent hits the ball very early, plays very aggressive. So, [he] will be a really tough opponent. If I am not playing my best, I will have not very good chances to be in the quarterfinals. So I gonna try to play well. I gonna try to play aggressive with no mistakes”.

Of note, seventh seed Tomas Berdych was stunned by Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 while Janko Tipsarevic edged out Alexandr Dolgopolov in three sets. Dimitrov and Tipsarevic will battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals.

With Milos Raonic unable to take court due to an ankle injury, Andy Murray got a pass into the fourth round and will face Gilles Simon. Simon defeated Jurgen Melzer 7-6, 6-4.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bested Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 7-6. Tsonga now waits for the winner of the John Isner- Florian Mayer match this evening.

Other notable day session matches include Rafael Nadal versus Radek Stepanek on Stadium Court and Andy Murray versus Milos Raonic on the Grandstand.

In the night session, defending Sony Ericsson Open champion Victoria Azarenka is looking to extend her 25 match winning streak in 2012 when she faces off with Heather Watson. John Isner versus Florian Mayer will close out the evening session.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Sunday, March 25, 2012

STADIUM Start 11:00 am

[7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) ATP

Not Before 1:00 PM
[WC] Venus Williams (USA) v [WC] Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) WTA

Not Before 3:00 PM
[20] Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) v [15] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) WTA
[25] Radek Stepanek (CZE) v [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) ATP

Starting at 7:30 PM
[1] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) v [WC] Heather Watson (GBR) WTA

Not Before 9:30 PM
[19] Florian Mayer (GER) v [10] John Isner (USA) ATP

GRANDSTAND Start 11:00 am

[18] Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) v [9] Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) ATP
[13] Gilles Simon (FRA) v [22] Jurgen Melzer (AUT) ATP
[26] Milos Raonic (CAN) v [4] Andy Murray (GBR) ATP
Silvia Soler-Espinosa (ESP) v [5] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) WTA

Not Before 5:00 PM
[1] Bob Bryan (USA)/Mike Bryan (USA) v
Marcelo Melo (BRA)/Juan Monaco (ARG) ATP

COURT 1 Start 11:00 am

Simona Halep (ROU) v [7] Marion Bartoli (FRA) WTA
[WC] Garbine Muguruza Blanco (ESP) v [24] Flavia Pennetta (ITA) WTA
[6] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) v [32] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) ATP
[16] Kei Nishikori (JPN) v Lukas Rosol (CZE) ATP

Not Before 6:00 PM
Oliver Marach (AUT)/Alexander Peya (AUT) v
[2] Max Mirnyi (BLR)/Daniel Nestor (CAN) ATP

COURT 2 Start 11:00 am

Jie Zheng (CHN) v [16] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) WTA
David Marrero (ESP)/Fernando Verdasco (ESP) v
Feliciano Lopez (ESP)/Marc Lopez (ESP) ATP
Ksenia Pervak (KAZ) v [22] Maria Kirilenko (RUS) WTA
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)/Jie Zheng (CHN) v
Eva Birnerova (CZE)/Klaudia Jans-Ignacik (POL) WTA
Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi (PAK)/Jean-Julien Rojer (NED) v
Daniele Bracciali (ITA)/Juan Sebastian Cabal (COL) ATP

COURT 3 Start 12:00 noon

[6] Sara Errani (ITA)/Roberta Vinci (ITA) v
[WC] Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER)/Petra Martic (CRO) WTA

Moreover, besides Nikolay Davydenko who was unable to defend his 2008 title due to injury, since 2006 no prior year’s champion has advanced beyond the round of 16.

By winning the BNP Paribas Open, his third title of the season, Federer is now searching for his third career back to back Miami- Indian Wells trophy. Amazingly, Federer has not been to the final in South Florida since 2006.

In all likelihood, if the Swiss plans on being a finalist, he will have to battle past Djokovic in the semifinals. Even before that, Federer could be troubled by 2010 champion Andy Roddick in the third round and Mardy Fish in the quarterfinals who will try to best his 2011semifinal result.

In the bottom half of the draw, 2009 champion Andy Murray and three time runner-up Nadal are on a collision for the semifinals. With 2012 BNP Paribas Open finalist John Isner or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga possible quarterfinal rivals, Nadal will have to be steady if he intends to keep his date with Murray.

For his part, Murray may have to maneuver around the hugely talented Canadian Milos Raonic in the third round; this would be their initial meeting. Then, the quarterfinals could offer the dangerous Tomas Berdych as Murray’s opponent.

At this juncture last year, Djokovic was undefeated and had claimed three titles. By prevailing at this year’s Australian Open in such dramatic fashion, Djokovic reminded all that he is fearless.

On the other hand, Djokovic’s two losses in 2012 signal to the rest of the field that he is ultimately human. Consequently, although slightly, the door is now ajar for either Nadal, Federer, Murray or Del Potro to come through in Miami. Main draw play begins on Wednesday.

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

Although this semifinal was scheduled for Saturday night, it’s conclusion came after one in the morning Sunday. Following a couple of shower intermissions, top seed Gael Monfils edged local favorite John Isner 6-4,3-6,7-6 to reach his initial final at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

Four years ago, Isner surprisingly advanced to the final in Washington. Along the way, in their first encounter, Isner prevailed over Monfils, a top 50 player, in a thrilling semifinal third set tiebreaker.

Tonight, subsequent to Isner carrying the opening game, Monfils’ turn was halted by rain. Ultimately when play resumed, the points went along quickly.

After Monfils erased a break point to hold, Isner’s did the same with a 135 mph serve. Despite further difficulties, Isner maintained serve for 3-2.

Later though, when Isner misfired on a forehand, Monfils had his second break point of the ninth game. The Frenchman converted courtesy of an errant forehand by Isner to ascend 5-4. Soon, with a strong service game, Monfils closed out the first set.

Isner and Monfils had tussled five times prior, with each meeting decided by a third set. Apparently, Monfils did not feel like deviating from the script.

By hitting a forehand wide, Monfils handed Isner double break point. The Frenchman compounded that mistake with a ill advised dropshot to gift the break. Promptly with a love game, Isner consolidated for a 3-0 lead.

In the fifth game, a dreadful incident occurred whereby one of Isner’s serving bullets struck a spectator in the eye. After the injured person was attended to and a horrified Isner gathered himself, play resumed.

With Isner leading 5-2, another rain stoppage came. With Monfils incapable of a break point, Isner captured the second set.

At 3-2 in the decisive set, Monfils forced Isner into a forehand mistake for break point. By taking out his big gun, Isner salvaged the game to level the set at 3 all.

The next time Isner served, Monfils was again at 0-30. Yet, he could not fabricate a break point. However, ahead 5-4, Monfils arrived at his first match point when Isner committed a forehand error.

But with a crisp volley, Isner got to deuce. A second match point by Monfils was dismissed with a second serve ace. Not certain of the umpire’s call, Monfils challenged. With the review system malfunctioning, the call stood. Monfils shrugged it off; the two even exchanged a knuckle high five.

Eventually, the tiebreaker settled the winner. As each competitor guarded serve, Isner thumped an ace to get to his first match point. Monfils replicated to square the breaker at 6 a piece.

Then, with a courageous lob winner, Monfils secured his third match point. When Isner dumped his forehand into the net. Monfils booked a place in the final of a U.S. tournament for the first time.

It’s conspicuous that these two share a mutual respect as they embraced at the net. Monfils said as much after the match “I have great respect for John. I like his mentality and it’s always a pleasure for me to play him”.

Monfils expressed that he was relieved to finish the match. During the breaks, he had his coach to distract him and did not get too anxious.

With the momentum after the first set, Monfils lost his way early on in the second. MiamiTennisNews.com asked him to evaluate that part of the match “he played two solid points and I played two fancy shots”.

Monfils admitted that his judgment was flawed “instead of the dropshot, I could have hit another forehand . . . because from the baseline I’m a bit stronger than him. I did not play with my weapon. Once you lose serve against John, you know it’s three sets”.

Although it’s less than twenty-four hours before the final, Monfils stated that fatigue will not be a factor. The shear adrenaline from being in his first final of the season will squelch any physical or mental tiredness.

Isner was attempting to reach his third consecutive final after bagging the title in Newport and runner up status in Atlanta. Isner was also glad to resolve the semifinal tonight. Now, he can move on to his next stop, the Rogers Cup.

In tomorrow’s final, Monfils will collide with Radek Stepanek. They last clashed in Hamburg a few weeks ago with Monfils victorious.

Monfils is at a career high ranking of seven while Stepanek is world number 54. Although Monfils has been a finalist the last two years at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris, his three ATP titles have been at the 250 level.

Both men have a losing mark in finals with Monfils at 3-10 and Stepanek 4-7. However, Monfils has a 5-2 record over his opponent. For both men it will be their maiden ATP 500 trophy.

The U.S. summer hardcourt series got under way this week with the Atlanta Tennis Championships. In a replay of last year‘s final, Mardy Fish and John Isner collided in the ultimate match. The result was similar as Fish vanquished Isner 3-6,7-6,6-2 to defend his trophy.

With the title in Newport a few weeks ago, Isner was trying to win back to back title for the initial time in his career while Fish was in his maiden final of the season.

As a result of a double fault, Isner faced double break point to open the match. However, by finding his serve, Isner held. Later on, when Fish’s forehand sailed long on break point, Isner took a 3-1 lead. This was the difference in the first set, as Isner went on to guard serve and carry it 6-3.

With a forehand miscue by Fish on break point, Isner capitalized and secured the initial game of the second set. Soon though, with a backhand down the line winner, Fish manufactured double break point. When Isner double faulted, the players were back on serve.

Since neither contender could fabricate another break point, the second set went to a tiebreaker. Subsequent to getting the initial point, Isner got on a roll and built a 5-1 advantage. Then, with a powerful forehand, Isner forced Fish into a mistake to obtain double championship point at 6-4.

Yet, by pushing his backhand long and with Fish thumping an ace, Isner watched two chances combust. Promptly, with a superb backhand crosscourt volley winner, Fish had set point. Next, as Isner hit a forehand wide, Fish captured the second set.

At the start of the previous set, Isner seemed to be suffering from the heat. On the other hand, Fish looked like he had hardly warmed up after tiebreaker. Consequently, Isner would need to draw on all his reserves to pull off a victory.

With Isner double faulting, Fish arrived at double break point. When Isner’s backhand dropshot missed its mark, Fish banked the opening game of the decider.

After Fish consolidated with a love game, Isner easily guarded serve to stay one game behind. With Fish serving at 3-2, Isner struck a nice backhand down the line winner for double break point.

Still in the longest rally of the afternoon, fatigue bested Isner causing him to send a forehand long. Ultimately, Fish maintained serve and extended his lead.

When Isner double faulted on break point, Fish had a 5-2 edge. After quickly reaching triple match point, Fish crushed a forehand crosscourt winner to claim the championship.

Fish stated that he was “lucky” to come away with the win because “nine out of ten times when John is up a set and a break, he will close it out”. Furthermore, Fish expressed he cannot remember Isner ever surrendering a tiebreaker after a 5-1 advantage.

Fish admitted that fitness was in part a factor “I felt great. . . I pride myself on my fitness now”.

This upcoming week, Fish will be the top seed at the Farmers’ Classic. Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2008 champion, will make his summer hardcourt debut as the second seed at the same event.

For the first time at the All England Club, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the top two seeds. Defending champion Nadal will fight to collect his third hardware at this venue and his third French Open-Wimbledon combo. Djokovic who registered his maiden loss of the year at the previous major after a forty-one match unbeaten run will attempt to reach his first final at SW 19.

Two other competitors are also hoping to make history. Third seed Roger Federer tries to equalize Pete Sampras’ all time record of seven titles while fourth seed Andy Murray carries the aspirations of an isle on his shoulders. This fortnight, Murray aims to terminate his nation’s 75 year drought at its home major. Here’s the breakdown of the 2011 Wimbledon draw.

For world number one Nadal, it should be smooth sailing until the third round. In that session, the defending champion could be bothered by phenom Milos Raonic. Again in the round of 16, Nadal will be on crash alert with Juan Martin Del Potro his likely opponent. Consequently, there are various rocks along the road early on for the top seed.

In the quarterfinals, Nadal could face a rematch of last year’s final with Tomas Berdych. Considering Berdych’s average performance this season, the Spaniard should have the advantage. However, a semifinal against either Andy Roddick, a three time finalist, or Murray will be a harder challenge.

Having won the Queen’s Club trophy for the second time, Murray has once more found his mojo. Murray’s potential third round counterpart is Marin Cilic and either Stanislas Wawrinka or Richard Gasquet in the fourth round. While these are all worthy adversaries, Murray should have the upper hand.

Roddick also has a favorable path until the round of 16 where the unpredictable Gael Monfils possibly awaits. A Murray-Roddick quarterfinal would be a rematch of their sensational 2009 semifinal. Although Roddick’s year has been sub-par to date, he can rebound at SW19 where he has had great success previously.

Djokovic and Federer anchor the bottom half of the draw. Thus, the two could collide in the semifinals.

Federer’s initial obstacle could be in the third round in the form of David Nalbandian. The Argentine has been contending with injury but has the tools to trouble Federer. In the quarterfinals, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or David Ferrer could offer Federer stiff opposition. Still, the Swiss maestro would be in the driver’s seat.

Like Federer, Djokovic could have a few early intricate encounters such as Marcos Baghdatis in the third round and Michael Llodra or Viktor Troicki in the round of 16. Yet, Djokovic should move on to the quarterfinals.

The wildcard in that section is Robin Soderling. Even though grass is not Soderling’s strong suit and he’s been inconsistent this season, Soderling will be a formidable hurdle for either Djokovic in the quarterfinals or Federer in the semifinals.

Call it kismet or curse, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut who last year redefined the meaning of marathon match will do battle again in the first round. Without question, each man is praying for a less dramatic outing this time around.

Surprises at the majors have been few on the men’s side with Nadal and Federer dominant at the ultimate six to seven years. However, the gap has shrunk between the top three players with Djokovic raising his game to new heights this season.

Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have the greatest possibly of hoisting the trophy on the final Sunday. With less than one hundred points separating him from the Spaniard, Djokovic could rearrange the pecking order and overtake Nadal at number one after this event.

For Nadal to retain the title, Federer to bag number seven or Murray to become a hometown hero, for at least one or all, the road may lead through Djokovic. Fasten your seatbelt, Wimbledon will be quite the ride this year.

With three titles already this season and a 20-2 record, Soderling should have felt pretty good going into this contest. However, a recent ailment and an earlier than expected exit at Indian Wells allowed just enough room for Soderling to doubt his chances.

As a result of a net court winner, Del Potro obtained his fourth break point opportunity in the fourth game of the first set. The Argentine capitalized when Soderling’s backhand down the line sailed wide. Then, with an ace on game point, Del Potro consolidated for 4-1.

Because of sensational serving, Del Potro guarded the one break advantage and carried the first set.

After Del Potro broke the first game of the second set, Soderling came alive with two winners to go up 0-30. Yet, Del Potro’s serve came to the rescue. The Argentine saved the game for a 2-0 lead.

Later, Del Potro captured an insurance break. Then with a strong game closed out the match.

When Del Potro won the title in Delray, he felt that the true measure of the state of his game would be prevailing over a top ten player. Having accomplished this objective, Del Potro was asked to evaluate his progress “when you play against these kinds of players and [win it gives you a little bit of confidence]. Today, my serve, my forehand, my backhand, everything worked incredibly well. He’s a really good player. He had chances, too, but I took my opportunities. . .that was very important for my confidence”.

For 2010 Sony Ericsson Open semifinalist Soderling, on all fronts, his play was a disaster. Soderling commented: “I’m not playing well. I’m not feeling well. I’m not moving well. I’m not serving well. My serve is normally my biggest weapon. My backhand is not good. There are a lot of things I need to work on”.

In explaining the drop in his performance since February when he collected a spate of titles, Soderling said “I had some tough times after Marseilles. I got sick and had some small injuries which I struggled with for a while. I haven’t been able to practice the way I wanted to”.

Earlier in the day, Mardy Fish dispatched Richard Gasquet in straight sets. The reward for Fish’s hard work is a fourth round date with Del Potro. It’s a rematch of the International Tennis Championships semifinal whereby Del Potro was victorious.

David Ferrer, the sixth seed, breezed through his match with Smodev Devvarman. In the subsequent round, Ferrer will contend with fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers who shocked Michael Llodra.

John Isner ended Alex Bogomolov’s dream run. Bogomolov booted fifth seed and 2009 champion Andy Murray in the previous round. Upcoming in the fourth round for Isner is Kevin Anderson. Anderson defeated Pablo Andujar who had victimized Fernando Verdasco in the second round.

Novak Djokovic continues to be unstoppable. In under an hour, Djokovic bounced wildcard James Blake 6-2, 6-0 to book his spot into the fourth round.

Djokovic will battle fellow countryman Viktor Troicki. Troicki topped another American Sam Querrey in a difficult three setter.