Sunday 22 February 2015 09:20, UK
Donald Young moved a step closer to his first ATP Tour title, beating Australia's Bernard Tomic 4-6 6-4 6-2 in the Delray Beach Open semi-finals.
The 25-year-old American, the top-ranked junior in the world 10 years ago, will play fourth-seeded Ivo Karlovic in Sunday's final in Florida.
There have been other things that I felt were holding me back. It wasn't just my game, it was about the consistency, the mental part and putting together back-to-back matches. I'm happy I'm able to do that lately.
Young, who reached a final in Bangkok in 2011, had eight double faults in the swirling wind but also saved seven of 10 break points, including two huge points at 4-4 in the second set and two more while serving at 4-1 in the third.
Young boasts a 10-3 record on the season, with a semi-final finish last week in Memphis, and has also knocked third seed Alexandr Dolgopolov out in the Florida tournament.
"It's tough to get to the finals," said world No 56 Young.
"There have been other things that I felt were holding me back. It wasn't just my game, it was about the consistency, the mental part and putting together back-to-back matches. I'm happy I'm able to do that lately."
Karlovic pounded down 17 aces and broke serve once in each set to triumph 6-3 6-4 against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino on the outdoor hardcourt.
The 35-year-old has won only one title since 2008 and will be attempting to emulate his fellow Croatian Marin Cilic who won the tournament last year.
