Eleven years in age, $12 million in prize money, 15 ATP titles, and 130 ranking places separate Tommy Haas from Steve Johnson.  The top seed in Delray Beach faced an American qualifier in a true David vs. Goliath matchup with a dramatic narrative and a happy ending for the home fans.

Haas had dismissed Johnson with ease in their only previous meeting at an indoor tournament in San Jose last year.  But the resurgent 35-year-old found out quickly on Wednesday night that victory would not come so easily this time. Johnson, a native of Southern California and UCLA alum, saved all seven break points that he faced in the first set while capitalizing just enough on his opponent’s vulnerable serve.  Haas has not reached the top 15 by crumbling in adversity, however, and he raced through the second set without facing a break point.

Order seemed to be restored at this stage with the top seed holding the momentum and the qualifier reeling.  To the delight of the Delray Beach fans, this was not the case.  Johnson steadied his spirits and produced his best serving effort of the night in the final set.  Not succumbing to fatigue, he delivered seven aces and dropped only five first-serve points.  Each man lost serve only once in the decisive set en route to a tiebreak.  Catching fire at the perfect time, Johnson toppled the world No. 12 by reeling off the seven points that he needed before Haas notched more than two. 

Since the start of 2013, Johnson has confronted his share of frustrations.  He has lost five-setters in the first round at four of the last five majors, and a four-setter in the first round at the fifth.  Someone accustomed to stirring successes at the college level must have felt those blows to his morale keenly.  And yet Johnson now has won nine consecutive matches between the Dallas challenger two weeks ago and Delray Beach, including the qualifying draw and the main draw.  This month should boost his confidence dramatically.  With American men’s tennis wide open after John Isner, Johnson should recognize the opportunity that knocks for him to rise in the national ranks.

First things first, however.  Looming in the quarterfinals is veteran lefty Feliciano Lopez, who already has dispatched two Americans in Sam Querrey and Tim Smyczek.  Lopez has regrouped from slow starts in both of his matches to snuff out home hopes in three sets.  Against Johnson, he might not be able to escape if he digs himself another hole.