Indianapolis, Indiana - Unseeded Robby Ginepri hopes to repeat the Cinderella story that took him to a title at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships four years ago when he plays good friend Sam Querrey in Sunday's final. Ginepri, standing 95th in the world, achieved his past glory from a similar lowly ranking. His 6-4, 6-3 defeat of John Isner Saturday, earned him his first final since Indy 2005.
Third seed Querrey moved into his second title shot in as many ATP events Saturday with a 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Canadian Frank Dancevic.
Ginepri is working to recover his form after going down with a burst appendix in February, spending nine days in hospital and losing 14 kilograms during his convalescence, which took until May.
"It's a blessing to be back playing. This is the start of my hard court summer, I feel confident," he said.
"I have made a lot of progress this week. Sam is a great server and he will keep me on the run. But it's good to be part of a US final."
The showdown will be the fifth final between a pair of Americans in the last two decades. James Blake was the last home player to win, in 2006.
Isner was also making a comeback this week after suffering from glandular fever. "Even if I'd been at 100 per cent, Robby still would have beaten me today. He put enough pressure on me to make me crack."
Querrey said he was glad to reach his first final at the event.
"I have had three semifinals here and now I have finally gone past that. I feel great, I have really improved my movement a lot from last season, that is key."
Querrey has a chance for his second career trophy after losing the grass court Newport final earlier this month to Rajeev Ram.
Querrey led a set and 4-0 on a sunny afternoon following morning storms before the number 121, Dancevic, made a move to recover but then finally took the loss.
The winner managed 12 aces and 27 winners as he held the big- hitting Dancevic to a single ace.
Querrey and Dancevic both had trouble with sun on one side of the court, a factor that each said contributed to the five breaks in the second set.
"I was frustrated but just had to stay focused," said Querrey. "I'm doing all I can to win another title. Depending on whom I play I'll have to make some adjustments.
"But I have been on a roll for a few weeks and I hope to continue."
