By Chris Umpierre
Daily Bruin Staff
When Jan-Michael Gambill first played Michael Chang he was in
awe to be on the same court as the former No. 2 player in the
world.
Don’t expect a more mature Gambill to feel the same way
when he takes on the American legend in Sunday’s
Mercedes-Benz Cup championship. Gambill advanced to the finals of
the Los Angeles tournament after beating Frenchman Arnaud Clement
3-6, 6-0, 6-3 on Saturday.
The 23-year-old rising star has no sympathy for Chang, who is
trying to win his first title in two and a half years.
“Well, that’s too bad,” Gambill said jokingly
about Chang’s woes. “I feel so sorry for him,
he’s only had 31 of those (titles).”
“He’s definitely just as hungry as I am out there.
He wants it bad. It’s going to be a tough match but I’m
not going to let him win. He’s going to have to go out and do
it,” Gambill continued.
Gambill set up the All-American final by using his powerful
serve in the second and third sets to beat Clement.
The chances, however, of Gambill and Chang meeting in the final
looked slim in the early goings of Saturday night’s
match.
The flashy Frenchman started the match with a deep and strong
serve, as he was able to dictate most of the points.
Clement broke Gambill once in the first set and was able to hold
his serve, taking the first set 6-3.
“He was playing too good,” Gambill said. “I
said to myself in the second set, “˜I’m going to at
least go for balls. I’m going to hit the ball deeper and
harder and give myself a chance to win some points.’
“
Gambill did just that as he took control of the match in the
second and third sets.
His 125 mph serve and his 11 aces sure didn’t hurt.
“That’s the best I’ve served in this
tournament,” he said.
Then, with Gambill up 4-3 in the third set, came the
controversial call.
Gambill broke Clement’s serve with the help of a backhand
return that was called in.
Clement thought otherwise.
“I thought it was out,” Clement said. “That
was a very important point.”
Gambill, who will play in his second career final, came out of
the match a little banged up.
He has been playing a lot of tennis lately, as Gambill also
competed for the U.S. in the Davis Cup last weekend, leaving his
left knee sore.
“I’m starting to have some problems. My knee is
hurting me quite a bit,” he said.
Gambill and Chang have met four times with each player winning
two matches a piece.
Gambill grew up watching the 28-year-old Chang and respects what
he has done for the sport.
“Michael is one of those guys that’s been so great
for American tennis,” Gambill said. “He’s excited
so many people about the game and got so many youngsters
playing.”
“It’s awesome playing another American in a final of
a great American event.”