Croatian seventh-seed Marin Cilic will face former champion Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the final of the Delray Beach tennis tournament in Florida.
Fourth-seeded Anderson defeated US qualifier Steve Johnson 6-2 6-4 on Saturday in a battle between two players who enjoyed standout careers in the US university ranks.
Anderson avenged a loss to Johnson in Auckland this season, delivering 13 aces and breaking the American three times to secure the victory in 76 minutes.
"I think from the first game, getting that break was really key for me," Anderson said. "I was really happy with the first four games. I was really capitalising on his second serves. That set the tone for the match."
Anderson, a resident of Delray Beach, won the second of his two ATP Tour titles at the Florida tournament in 2012. He reached three finals last year but wasn't able to add to his trophy collection.
"I was really happy with the way I executed my serve today," Anderson said. "I've always enjoyed playing here. I'm excited for the final tomorrow."
Anderson had to wait to learn who his opponent would be, after the night semi-final between Cilic and second-seeded American John Isner was delayed more than two hours by rain.
Cilic fired 12 aces in the one-hour, 25-minute match, which didn't wrap up until after midnight (local time). The Croatian prevailed 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.
Against Anderson, Cilic will seek a second title in three straight finals. He lifted the trophy in Zagreb in early February before he was beaten in the Rotterdam final last week by Tomas Berdych.
