By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, February 10, 2015

 

Viktor Troicki and Filip Krajinovic have joined the Delray Beach field, replacing Jack Sock and Radek Stepanek, who withdrew with injuries.

Photo credit: Getty

Serbia is a long way from south Florida, but Viktor Troicki and Filip Krajinovic will both enjoy a bit of a homecoming playing in Delray Beach next week.

The Belgrade-born Troicki lived and trained in Boca Raton from ages 13 to 15. The 22-year-old Krajinovic spent six years training at the IMG Nick Bollettieri Academy. He played Delray Beach qualifying at the age of 15, falling in the first round.

The Serbian pair step into the draw replacing American Jack Sock and Czech veteran Radek Stepanek, who both withdrew with injuries.

Sock, who underwent off-season surgery, has not played this season. He returned to the practice court last month. Stepanek is sidelined with a back injury.

Troicki made history last month defeating Mikhail Kukushkin in the Sydney final that was the first all-qualifier final on the ATP World Tour. Troicki has posted a 9-2 record this season, rising to No. 44 in the rankings after concluding the 2014 season ranked No. 101.

"It's been a tough road, a lot of work, and it paid off with a nice title," Troicki said. "If I look back to where I was five, six months ago, it's amazing to have a title already. So it's a really nice moment for me and for all my team. It's very emotional."

Troicki's lone Delray Beach appearance came in 2012 when he lost to Steve Darcis in the first round.

ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert has replaced Michael Chang in the ATP Champions senior event after Chang withdrew with a groin injury. Gilbert joins James Blake, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philippoussis, Justin Gimelstob and Emilio Sanchez in the senior event, which begins on Friday night.

ATP Champions Tour schedule

Friday, February 13, 6:00 pm, James Blake vs Mark Philippoussis
Friday, February 13, 8:00 pm, Brad Gilbert vs Goran Ivanisevic
Saturday, February 14, 12:00 noon, Justin Gimbelstob vs Mark Philippoussis
Saturday, February 14, NB 2:00 pm, Brad Gilbert vs Emilio Sanchez
Saturday, February 14, 6:00 pm, Justin Gimelstob vs Goran Ivanisevic
Saturday, February 14, NB 8:00 pm, James Blake vs Emilio Sanchez
Sunday, February 15, 12:00 noon, Brad Gilbert vs Mark Philippoussis
Sunday, February 15, 12:30 pm, Justin Gimelstob vs Emilio Sanchez (Ct 1)
Sunday, February 15, NB 2:00 pm, James Blake vs Goran Ivanisevic