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Japanese qualifier Kei Nishikori continued his impressive run at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships as he saved four match points Saturday en route to a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(7) victory over No. 3 seed Sam Querrey.

The 18-year-old Nishikori, who came in No. 244 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, will take on top seed and No. 12 ranked James Blake in Sunday's final.

became the first Japanese player to reach an ATP final since Shuzo Matsuoka at Queen's (l. to W. Ferreira) on June 14, 1992. Matsuoka is the last Japanese ATP winner in Seoul (d. Woodbridge) on Apr. 26, 1992.

Nishikori will jump to around No. 146 by reaching his first ATP final and around No. 122 if he wins the title. He is the first qualifier to reach the Delray Beach final since Alex Calatrava (l. to Koubek) in 2000. The only qualifier to win the title in tournament history (since 1993) is Andrew Ilie 10 years ago when the tournament was held on clay in nearby Coral Springs. The last qualifier to reach/win an ATP final was Belgian Steve Darcis last July in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.

Querrey won the opening set when Nishikori netted a forehand in the 10th game. In the second set, Nishikori broke in the first and third games to take control as he only lost four points on serve. In the final set, Querrey went up 3-1 but was broken right back. Both players held serve the rest of the set, forcing a tie-break.

Querrey took control and led 3-0 and was one point away from his first ATP final, leading 6-3 and then 7-6. But Nishikori fought back, winning the final three points as Querrey netted a return from the baseline off his second serve.

"I didn't think about anything and just played one point at a time," said Nishikori, when asked about the four match points he faced. "I just said go for it. I was tired mentally but I tried to fight and stay in the match. I am really happy about my first ATP final but I have one more tomorrow."

Nishikori won one more point (92 to 91) than the 20-year-old Querrey in the one hour and 52 minute match.

Blake advanced to the final for the second straight year as he recovered from a slow start in both sets to defeat wild card Robby Ginepri 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday night.

Blake was broken in the first game of the match as he double-faulted on break point. Ginepri held throughout until he was broken in the eighth game. Blake broke again in the 10th game when Ginepri hit a backhand long. In the second set, Ginepri broke in the third game with a running forehand winner to take a 2-1 lead. Ginepri held until losing serve again in the eighth game. Blake closed out the one hour and 12 minute match with another break in the 10th game.

The 28-year-old American is trying to capture his 11th career ATP title in his 21st final and become the first No. 1 seed to win the title in tournament history (since 1993). Top seeds are 0-5 in finals in Delray Beach.

"I have a lot of respect for him and to be in an ATP final at 18 years old and to beat Sam here today is pretty impressive," said Blake.

ATP Tournament Profile | Delray Beach TV Schedule

Friday: Japanese Teenager Reaches Semifinals
Thursday: Six Americans Advance to Quarterfinals
Wednesday: Blake, Querrey, Spadea Advance in Straight Sets
Tuesday: Fish, Mirnyi Secure Wins on Rainy Day in Delray
Monday: Haas, Malisse Upset in First Round