UPDATE 4-Tennis-Nishikori ends wait for Japanese ATP finalist

(adds second semi-final)

By Simon Evans

DELRAY BEACH, Florida, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Teenager Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese to reach an ATP final in nearly 16 years after a 4-6 6-2 7-6 victory over American Sam Querrey at the Delray Beach International on Saturday.

The unseeded Nishikori, who had to qualify for the main draw, came back from 6-3 down in the third set tiebreak to win it 9-7 and he will play top seed James Blake in the final on Sunday.

Both players broke serve in the third set but it was the 18-year-old Nishikori, in his first ATP semi, who went on to triumph over third seed Querrey with some inspired tennis.

"I was choking in the tiebreak but at match point I really went for it," Nishikori told reporters after clinching victory with a blistering forehand.

"I was mentally tired but I tried to fight more and I am just so happy. I've taken it one match at a time here and I am surprised to be in the final."

BRIGHT FUTURE

The steady Querrey was generous in his praise of an opponent who looks to have a bright future.