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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.”