4/11/10 3:01 AM | Kelli DeMario
Juan Igancio Chela is through to the US Men’s Clay Court Championship title match, after defeating compatriot Horacio Zeballos in straight sets. The veteran Argentine faces Sam Querrey in Sunday’s final.
Unseeded Juan Ignacio Chela upset sixth-seeded countryman Horacio Zeballos on Saturday, 7-5, 6-2. The 30-year-old Argentine secured six of eight break-point opportunities, en route to sealing a victory in one hour and 31 minutes. Chela, ranked World No. 82 this week, made his first ATP World Tour final since 2007.
A scratchy match reached 3-2, with each player unable to hold serve. Zeballos struggled with his unforced error count, missing both forehand and backhand strikes. Chela showcased solid defense late in the set, earning set point at 6-5. Zeballos gave away the service game, pulling a forehand wide to drop the 46-minute set.
Chela led 2-0 in set two, pocketing an early break on a well-timed backhand pass. Zeballos recovered the break, finally connecting with a forehand winner. After playing his way back into contention, Zeballos looked to pocket another service break. The 24-year-old earned five break points at 2-2, but failed to convert. Chela regained control to lead 4-2, courtesy of another wide forehand from Zeballos. Two match points came at 5-2 for the veteran, who closed on a final errant forehand off the Zeballos racquet.
Chela meets third seed Sam Querrey for the title on Sunday. Querrey took out countryman Wayne Odesnik in three sets, 7-6(4), 1-6, 7-5.
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