Delray Beach, FL (January 16, 2008)—The addition of American Mardy Fish to the 2008 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships packs a wallop to an already strong draw as the ATP tournament returns February 9 -17 to the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center.

Fish, a Vero Beach product who attended Boca Raton Prep Academy as a high school senior, was inadvertently left off the initial tournament entry list by the ATP, but is one of 25 players given direct acceptance by the Tour based on their ranking.

Fish is currently ranked No. 39 in the world and moved into the third round of the Australian Open Tuesday with a straight set win over Tommy Robredo, the world’s No. 10-ranked player for 2007.

The 26-year-old Fish joins ATP superstars James Blake and Tommy Haas as well as young Americans John Isner, Donald Young and Sam Querrey in the draw. Throw in ATP veteran Vince Spadea of Boca Raton and the World No. 1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan, and American tennis will have a strong presence in Delray Beach.

“We were already looking forward to a great event, and then you toss Mardy into the equation and that takes it to another level,” said tournament director Mark Baron. “Our fans have been following Mardy for a long time. It’s another chance to welcome him back home.”

Fish’s first splash in front of Delray Beach ITC fans came in 2003 as he reached his first career ATP final. He upset Andy Roddick in the first round and took out wild card Marcelo Rios in the semifinals before Jan-Michael Gambill won the All-American final. Fish last played in Delray Beach in 2006.

Fish was the 2006 ATP Comeback Player of the Year after climbing the rankings from No. 341 to finish at No. 47; the rebound came after a wrist injury required surgery and caused him to miss most of the 2005 season. He was ranked No. 20 in the world at the close of the 2003 season, his best as a pro.

For tournament and ticket information, visit www.YellowTennisBall.com or call 561-330-6000.