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Houston - Third seeded Sam Querrey progressed to his first tour clay-court final by defeating American compatriot Wayne Odesnik 7-6 (4) 1-6 7-5 in the semifinals of the US Men's Clay Court Championships on Saturday.
Querrey's opponent in the final will be Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela, who also beat a compatriot, downing Horacio Zeballos 7-5 6-2.
There was ill feeling during the match between Querrey and Odesnik, who pleaded guilty last month to taking vials of human growth hormone into Australia. He has denied taking the banned substance and is playing while his case is being investigated by the International Tennis Federation.
Odesnik was fined $7000 in an Australian court and could face a suspension. Querry made it clear prior to the match he disapproved of Odesnik.
Odesnik, who reached the final of last year's tournament, forced the match to the end and Querrey compensated for his inconsistent serve by breaking Odesnik in the final game.
Although the players shook hands at the end of the match, Querrey had pointed comments during the match for Odesnik.
When Querrey questioned an ace by Odesnik in the first-set tiebreaker, Odesnik said, "It was good." Querrey shot back "I don't need your input buddy."
When Odesnik questioned a line call in the third set, Querrey said "It was only out a good four inches."
Chela and Zeballos traded two service breaks each in the first five games of the opening set before the more experienced Chela broke in the final game to take the first set.
The key moments in the second set came in the middle games, as Chela broke in the fourth and the sixth games. In between, he saw off five break points to hold his own serve.
Chela is into his first final, and will be seeking his first tour title, since 2007.
Querrey is seeking his second ATP victory this season. He won at Memphis in February.
