Field Begins To Narrow At Ericsson

KEY BISCAYNE (CBS4) - After Andy Roddick was ousted from the Sony Ericsson, the highest-ranked American left is 15th ranked Mardy Fish. But, Fish is set to become the top-ranked American male tennis player in the world with a few more wins.

According to CBSMiami.com news partner the Miami Herald, Fish was told that he will surpass Roddick in the WTA rankings if he makes it to the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson.

"That's a long way from where I am now," the 29-year-old Fish told the Herald. "It feels like a long way, anyway."

Fish has to get past Juan Martin del Potro. Juan has already ousted the WTA's number 4 ranked player Robin Soderling.

Even if Fish is able to make it to the semifinals, he said that Roddick is still the top-ranked American in his eyes.

"I certainly wouldn't feel like the top-ranked American considering what Andy has accomplished and what I have accomplished," Fish told the Herald. "I don't know how it feels to be the defending champion at a tournament like this, but it must carry quite a bit of weight, quite a bit of pressure."

Fish has won five tournaments, but has never won a major and never moved on past the fourth round of the Ericsson, according to the Herald.