LOS ANGELES(AP) Qualifier Carsten Ball has reached the finals of the L.A. Tennis Open by beating Leonardo Mayer 7-5, 7-6 (3).
Ball advanced to his first career ATP Tour final and will play the winner of Saturday's second semifinal between top-seeded Tommy Haas and sixth-seeded Sam Querrey.
It was the first meeting between Ball and Mayer, 22-year-olds who were both playing in their first ATP semifinal.
Ball had to win three qualifying matches before reaching the main draw. He is the son of former pro Syd Ball, who played in the Australian Open doubles final in 1974.
Ball achieved a career-high ranking of No. 146 by reaching Sunday's final.