Tommy Haas and Kei Nishikori commits for Delray Beach ATP event – Tennis News
Former world number two, Tommy Haas, and the Asian number one, Kei Nishikori, committed to the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships 2013, an ATP World Tour 250 Series event taking place in Florida, United States.
The German veteran, who won comeback player of the year award this season, and Nishikori will join Mardy Fish and Bryan Brothers in the Delray Beach line-up, ultimately giving the tournament five former champions. The American number one, John Isner has
also committed for this tournament. The tournament’s director Mark Baron reflected, "Not only are these guys returning champions, but all of them, plus John Isner, have spent time in the Top 20 this year. We will see more Top 20 players on the courts in Delray
Beach in 2013 than any other year in our history."
The 2006 champion veteran enjoyed a superb season after making his third comeback after recovering from a career-threatening injury. He started the season standing outside Top 200 and after recreating his old magic, Haas managed to end the season at number
21. He recorded a 31-16 win-loss record this circuit and reached far in several ATP events. The German found his rhythm at the BMW Open in Munich where he secured a semi-final berth. He lost to third seed Marin Cilic in brutal straight sets.
The 34-year-old then made a third round showing at the French Open through qualifiers. As a result, Haas cracked the Top 100 and gained confidence boos.
Mustering his season further, the German captured his maiden title at the Gerry Weber Open after stunning 17-time Grand Slam Champions Roger Federer in straight sets. He kept momentum rolling in mid-season and made final showdowns at the Bet-at-home Open
in Hamburg and the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington.
Nishikori, who grabbed his first career trophy in 2008 at this event, on the other hand enjoyed his breakthrough season this year. He reached his career best rank of world number 15 and captured a title at his home soil event. The youngster conquered the
Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo by stunning sixth seed Milos Raonic in the final round. He also made a quarter-final showing at the London Olympics and the Australian Open. Nishikori recorded a 37-18 win-loss record this circuit and ended
his season standing at number 19 in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings.
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